Unlicensed Driver Linked to Vanderbijlpark Crash That K!lled 14 Learners in South Africa
Published on January 20, 2026 at 11:51 AM by Evance Kapito
Preliminary investigations into the tragic scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, have revealed that the driver of the minibus taxi involved did not have a valid driver’s licence, Gauteng’s Provincial Department of Transport has confirmed.
Officials have also indicated that the minibus may not have been properly licensed to transport schoolchildren at the time of the accident.
The crash occurred on Monday morning along Fred Droste Road, as learners were being transported to school. Fourteen children lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Gauteng Department of Transport spokesperson Lesiba Mpya said the findings are preliminary and remain subject to verification as investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue.
“These details are still being confirmed. We are awaiting further information from police before drawing final conclusions,” Mpya said.
The latest revelations have intensified concerns over safety compliance in the private scholar transport sector, where issues such as unqualified drivers, unroadworthy vehicles and weak oversight have repeatedly been raised.
Police have since opened a culpable homicide case and are expected to question both the minibus and truck drivers once they are medically cleared.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier and education officials have expressed condolences to the bereaved families, calling for stricter regulation and oversight to prevent similar tragedies, stressing that learner safety must remain a top priority
Source;MDN News
