The children were travelling to school in a scholar transport vehicle when it collided head-on with a truck. All 12 learners lost their lives at the scene. They ranged in age from Grade 1 to Grade 11 and attended different schools in the Vaal area.
The driver of the scholar transport vehicle has been arrested and is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
He will face charges of culpable homicide, as well as reckless and negligent driving. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In a statement, the Gauteng Department of Education expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. The department said the children’s lives, dreams, and potential would never be forgotten and that they would always be remembered and honoured.
The learners who died were: Buhle Radebe (Grade 11), Bokamoso Mokhobo (Grade 8), and Sibongile Madonsela (Grade 10) from Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark; Leano Moiloa (Grade 8) from Vaal High School; Lesego Sefatsa (Grade 2) from Oakwood Primary School; Letlotlo Katlego Makwe (Grade 2) from Vaal Triangle Primary School; Ofentse Jayden Vinger (Grade 1) from Oliver Lodge Primary School; Lindokuhle Mabaso (Grade 5) from Noordhoek Primary School; Pheello Motaung (Grade 11), Puleng Maphalla (Grade 11), Naledi Motsapi (Grade 10), and Bohlale Lekekela (Grade 1) from El-Shaddai Christian School.
The tragedy has sparked renewed public concern about the safety of scholar transport across South Africa.
Parents, community members, and organisations are calling for stricter checks on vehicles and drivers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, families are preparing to lay their children to rest. Schools and communities have begun offering counselling and support to learners and staff affected by the loss.
The country mourns the lives of 12 young children whose futures were cut short on their way to school.
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