A 23-year-old scholar transport driver facing 14 murder charges following a crash that claimed the lives of 14 learners has been granted R3,000 bail.
Ayanda Dludla appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court, where he faces 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
He is also charged with operating a motor vehicle without a certificate of fitness, driving without a professional driving permit (PrDP) and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the charges stem from a deadly collision on 19 January 2026.
Dludla was allegedly transporting 17 learners in a scholar transport vehicle along the R553 Golden Highway when he collided head-on with an oncoming truck.
Fourteen learners died in the crash, while three others were injured.
The State opposed Dludla’s release on bail, but the court found that it was in the interests of justice to grant him bail, subject to strict conditions.
Dludla must report to the Vanderbijlpark Police Station every Friday and has been prohibited from driving any motor vehicle until the case is finalised.
He must also reside at his mother’s home unless the investigating officer authorises him to live elsewhere.
The accused has further been warned against interfering with witnesses.
The court also imposed a specific condition concerning communication with the families of the deceased learners.
Should Dludla wish to convey an apology to the families, he may only do so through the investigating officer.
The matter has been postponed to 9–17 November 2026 for trial.
