Vaal transport driver accused of killing 14 learners tells court he regrets his actions

Posted on March 5, 2026
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By Mapaballo Borotho

Ayanda Dludla
Image @Kaya News
  • The man accused of killing 14 schoolchildren in a Vereeniging crash says he regrets his actions and would apologise to the families.
  • Ayanda Dludla faces 14 counts of murder and charges of reckless and negligent driving.
  • He remains in custody after abandoning bail, with the case postponed to 22 April 2026.

The lawyer representing a 22-year-old man accused of killing 14 schoolchildren in Vereeniging has told the court that his client is remorseful and regrets that his actions led to their deaths.

Ayanda Dludla briefly appeared before the Vanderbijl Park Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, 05 March 2026.

He is facing fourteen counts of murder, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.

The accident left South Africans reeling in shock after 14 young lives were lost in January.

It also prompted the Department of Transport to take a stronger stance against transport drivers who do not abide by the law, particularly in Gauteng.

At the time of the accident, Dludla was reportedly overtaking several vehicles when he collided with a truck on that fateful day. Some of the learners were declared dead on the scene.

The tragedy also served as a reminder to South Africans that reckless driving has dire consequences.

During court proceedings on Thursday, Dludla, through his lawyer, told the court that if given the opportunity, he would apologise to each and every affected family.

One of the families lost two children in the tragic accident.

Dludla’s lawyer, Reward Nxumalo, said also told the court that his client urgently needs psychological support.

The 22-year-old, who has abandoned bail, remains in custody.

His matter has been postponed to 22 April 2026.

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