Ayanda Dludla appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court following a deadly scholar transport crash on the R553 Golden Highway. He was transporting 16 learners when his vehicle collided with an oncoming truck on 19 January 2026.
Twelve children died at the scene, and two more later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Two others and the truck driver were injured. Dludla now faces 14 counts of murder and several traffic-related charges. He has abandoned his bail application and remains in custody.
The case has been postponed to 5 March 2026 for further investigation.
What Happened
A 22-year-old scholar transport driver, Ayanda Dludla, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court following a crash that claimed the lives of 14 schoolchildren.
The incident took place on 19 January 2026, on the R553 Golden Highway. Dludla was allegedly transporting 16 learners when his vehicle collided head-on with a truck. Twelve learners died at the scene, while two more died at the hospital. Two others and the truck driver sustained injuries.
Dludla has been charged with:
- 14 counts of murder
- 3 counts of attempted murder
- Driving without a professional permit
- Operating a vehicle without a certificate of fitness
- Driving an unlicensed vehicle
He has elected to remain in custody and did not apply for bail. The case has been postponed to 5 March 2026 for further investigation.
 Official Response
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the charges and the decision to oppose bail.
The Department of Education has not yet issued a formal statement, but counselling support is reportedly being arranged for the affected families and school communities.
Community Impact
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with calls for tighter regulation of scholar transport operators.
Local parents have raised concerns about the safety of school transport services and the enforcement of driver licensing requirements.
What Happens Next
- Dludla will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 5 March 2026.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine liability and whether further charges are warranted.
- Authorities are expected to review scholar transport compliance and safety enforcement mechanisms.
