Vaal Road Tragedy: Names Of 12 Pupils Lost In Horror Scholar Transport Crash Released

The Gauteng Department of Education has made public the names of the 12 schoolchildren who lost their lives in a devastating scholar transport accident in the Vaal, south of Johannesburg.

The fatal crash happened on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark, where a school transport vehicle collided head-on with a truck, killing 12 pupils and injuring several others.

Dashcam Footage Shows Final Moments Before Impact

Dashcam footage from the truck involved in the collision has shed light on how the tragedy unfolded. The video shows the truck travelling at a steady pace as vehicles safely pass in the opposite lane.

Moments later, the scholar transport vehicle is seen suddenly swerving into the truck’s lane. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the taxi veered to the right while the truck moved slightly left. Despite both drivers’ efforts, the manoeuvres were unsuccessful, resulting in a violent head-on crash.

Names of the 12 Pupils Killed

The Gauteng Department of Education released the names of the learners who died, drawn from several schools across the Vaal region:

• Buhle Radebe – Grade 11, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
•  Bokamoso Mokhobo – Grade 8, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
•  Sibongile Madonsela – Grade 10, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
• Leano Moiloa – Grade 8, Vaal High School
• Lesego Sefatsa – Grade 2, Oakwood Primary School
• Letlotlo Katlego Makwe – Grade 2, Vaal Triangle Primary School
• Ofentse Jayden Vinger – Grade 1, Oliver Lodge Primary School
• Lindokuhle Mabaso – Grade 5, Noordhoek Primary School
•  Pheello Motaung – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
• Puleng Maphalla – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
• Naledi Motsapi – Grade 10, El-Shaddai Christian School
• Bohlale Lekekela – Grade 1, El-Shaddai Christian School

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“To the families, school communities, educators, and classmates, we extend our deepest condolences and continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” said Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona.

Vaal Taxi Driver Arrested as Learners Receive Medical Care

Speaking during a media briefing at the Sedibeng West District Office, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said three drivers were involved in the crash — the scholar transport driver and two truck drivers.

“The truck driver, who was not seriously injured, took himself to hospital and will provide a full statement,” Lesufi said.

“The assistant truck driver was treated and discharged, while the scholar transport driver was hospitalised and later released. The taxi driver has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.”

Gauteng police confirmed that the 22-year-old taxi driver will appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing 12 counts of culpable homicide as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.

Meanwhile, five injured learners were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital and two to Kopanong Hospital. Two pupils were initially placed in intensive care, with one since discharged.

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