By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has revealed that the scholar transport vehicle involved in a horrific crash in Vanderbijlpark,was operating with an expired Public Driver’s Permit (PDP).
Lesufi held the media briefing at the Sedibeng West District Office in Sebokeng on Tuesday.
The 12 students had died at the scene, the authorities said on Tuesday – revising the figure of those killed down from 13 as was initially reported. Three others are being treated in intensive care with one of those being in a “critically unstable” condition.
SA Police Services (SAPS) said the minibus driver crashed into the lorry after attempting to overtake two vehicles. He has been discharged from hospital and is now in police custody. He is facing a case of culpable homicide.
Lesufi was joined by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, MEC for Education Matome Chiloane, MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Sedibeng District Executive Mayor, Cllr Lerato Maloka and Emfuleni Executive Mayor, Cllr Sipho Radebe.
Lesufi said three drivers were involved in the accident: two in the truck and one in the taxi.
The truck driver took himself to the hospital after the accident and has made an appointment with the police to give a full statement.
The assistant truck driver was hospitalised and later discharged, while the taxi driver was arrested and will appear in court.
“Based on the work done by the police, we have now established that the PDP, which is the public driver’s certificate, had expired last year in November, and therefore he was driving without the necessary permits, “the premier said.
The government and private community are providing support to the grieving families, including burials, groceries, counselling, and general support.
Gwarube assured the media that support will be provided at local, provincial, and international levels, including psychosocial support.
She mentioned commitment from the private sector and faith-based organisations to assist the affected families.
The minister said affected schools and their pupils will also receive psychosocial support, highlighting the importance of community support.
“We extend our deepest condolences. No parent should bury a child, let alone when the death seems so senseless,” she said.
Lesufi confirmed that the taxi involved in the accident was a private scholar transport. Gwarube said there are challenges in regulating private scholar transport arrangements.
“While we want to review a lot of the policy regulations around scholar transport, over 80% of the incidents that happen on our roads are due to driver error,” she said.
Fatal road collisions are common in South Africa, due to factors such as rampant speeding, reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles. In 2025, 11,418 people died in crashes – about 6% lower than a year earlier but still equivalent to an average of 31 deaths a day.