Dludla, charged with 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and reckless and negligent driving, remains in custody following Monday’s devastating crash that claimed the lives of 14 schoolchildren.

ALSO READ: Vanderbijlpark crash victims to be buried in joint funeral service

He is expected to return to court on 5 March as investigations continue.

Outside the courthouse, the air was heavy with grief. Parents clutched photographs of their children, some breaking down in tears while others displayed placards with messages expressing their frustration.

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The tragedy unfolded when the minibus taxi carrying learners on a school run collided with a truck.

Twelve children died at the scene, while two more succumbed to their injuries on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the Department of Education released the names of the deceased learners, who were pupils from schools across the Vaal area, including Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, Vaal High School, El-Shaddai Christian School, Oakwood Primary, Vaal Triangle Primary, Oliver Lodge Primary, and Noordhoek Primary.

Families and communities are preparing to bid farewell to the children. A memorial service will be held on Friday at Sebokeng Hall, followed by a joint funeral service on Sunday at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground in Sebokeng.

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The scenes outside court told a story of heartbreak and solidarity. The atmosphere was one of mourning mixed with anger, as residents demanded accountability while bracing for the painful days ahead.

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The 14 schoolchildren killed as a result of a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark will be laid to rest in a joint funeral service on Sunday at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground in Sebokeng.

A memorial service for the learners will be held on Friday at Sebokeng Hall.

The learners died on Monday when the minibus taxi they were travelling in collided with a truck. Twelve learners died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the Department of Education released the names of the deceased learners, who were pupils from several schools across the Vaal area:

Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark

• Bokamoso Mokhobo (Grade 8)
• Sibongile Madonsela (Grade 10)
• Thato Moetji (Grade 12)
• Sagwadi Mathe (Grade 12)

Vaal High School

• Leano Moiloa (Grade 8)

El-Shaddai Christian School

• Pheello Motaung (Grade 11)
• Puleng Maphalla (Grade 11)
• Naledi Motsapi (Grade 10)
• Bohlale Lekekela (Grade 1)

Vanderbijlpark

• Buhle Radebe (Grade 11)

Primary schools

• Lesego Sefatsa (Grade 2), Oakwood Primary School
• Letlotlo Katlego Makwe (Grade 2), Vaal Triangle Primary School
• Ofentse Jayden Vinger (Grade 1), Oliver Lodge Primary School
• Lindokuhle Mabaso (Grade 5), Noordhoek Primary School

The driver of the scholar transport taxi, 22-year-old Ayanda Dludla, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Dludla has been charged with 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and charges including reckless and negligent driving, among other charges.

Investigations are ongoing.

Dludla remains in custody and is expected to return to court on 5 March.

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The post Vanderbijlpark crash victims to be buried in joint funeral service appeared first on Inside Politic.