A taxi driver has been arrested after a serious accident at KwaKhetha Bridge in KwaZulu-Natal left 20 pupils injured on 15 September 2025. Authorities confirmed the driver was operating with only a learner’s license and no professional permit. Several children have since been discharged from hospital, while others remain under medical care.
What Happened?
The crash occurred when the driver lost control of the taxi transporting learners. Emergency teams rushed the injured pupils to nearby hospitals, where some were treated and released.
Police confirmed the driver, who had no valid license, was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
Official Response
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, strongly condemned the incident, linking it to ongoing challenges in the scholar transport sector.
“We want to remove from our road networks reckless drivers who are behind the spike of private scholar transport accidents and many other accidents that have destroyed families and cut short the lives of innocent people,” Duma said.
He further confirmed that stricter regulations will be rolled out, with every minibus in the province subjected to inspection.
The MEC also outlined joint efforts with Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, Umgungundlovu District Mayor Mzi Zuma, and Impendle Local Municipality to support affected families and tighten oversight.
Community Impact
Parents and residents expressed frustration over the continued use of unlicensed drivers and undeserving vehicles for transporting children.
“This could have been much worse. We need stronger checks before our children are put into these vehicles,” said a community member near KwaKhetha Bridge.
The South African National Taxi Council in KwaZulu-Natal has been urged to work closely with authorities to improve safety standards in the scholar transport sector.
FAQ
How many pupils were injured?
Twenty pupils sustained injuries; some have been discharged while others are still recovering in hospital.
What will happen to the driver?
The driver has been arrested and faces charges for operating without a valid license.
What steps are being taken to prevent similar accidents?
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has announced province-wide inspections of all scholar transport minibuses and stricter accountability rules.
