A serious road crash involving a scholar transport vehicle occurred at approximately 07h00 on 16 February 2026 on the N4 Eastbound near Atteridgeville in Tshwane.
According to reports, a 9-seater Toyota Condor transporting 17 school children collided with a Mercedes-Benz after the driver allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by diverting onto an old dirt road before re-entering the highway.
It has been reported that the driver was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s licence. All 17 learners were transported to hospital with varying degrees of injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
What happened?
The crash occurred on the N4 Eastbound near the Atteridgeville area in Tshwane.
Reports indicate that the scholar transport vehicle, a 9-seater Toyota Condor, was carrying 17 learners at the time of the incident. The driver allegedly diverted onto an old dirt road in an attempt to evade law enforcement before re-entering the highway, where the vehicle collided with a Mercedes-Benz.
Authorities have reported that the driver did not have a valid driver’s licence.
All injured learners were transported to hospital for medical treatment. No fatalities have been confirmed.
Official response
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, expressed deep concern following the incident.
She conveyed her wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured learners and extended support to their families.
“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children. Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” she said.
The MEC reiterated her call for intensified law enforcement operations to root out illegal and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles and ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport confirmed that the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) will strengthen vehicle inspections, enforcement operations and monitoring of scholar transport operators.
Community impact
The incident has raised renewed concerns about scholar transport safety and regulatory compliance.
Parents rely on licensed and roadworthy transport providers to ensure children travel safely to and from school. Incidents involving unlicensed drivers undermine public trust and place learners at risk.
The department said oversight and enforcement measures will be strengthened to restore discipline on provincial roads.
