By Mapaballo Borotho
- Ayanda Dludla, the driver accused of killing 14 learners in a Vaal scholar transport crash, has been granted R3,000 bail.
- The crash happened on 19 January when his vehicle collided with a tipper truck, with several learners dying at the scene.
- The Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court found that Dludla was unlikely to evade trial, was not considered a flight risk, and did not pose a danger to society.
The driver accused of killing 14 learners in a fatal school transport crash in the Vaal has been granted R3,000 bail.
Ayanda Dludla appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 09 September 2026, which granted his bail application.
Dludla was arrested in January following the crash, which claimed the lives of 14 learners.
The collision happened on 19 January 2026 when the scholar transport vehicle collided with a tipper truck.
Dludla faces 14 counts of murder in connection with the deaths.
At the time of the crash, Dludla was reportedly overtaking several vehicles when his vehicle collided with the truck. Some of the learners were declared dead at the scene.
The tragedy prompted the Department of Transport to strengthen its focus on scholar transport operators and drivers who fail to comply with road safety laws, particularly in Gauteng.
During earlier court proceedings, Dludla, through his lawyer, told the court that he would apologise to every affected family if given the opportunity.
One family lost two children in the crash.
In granting bail, the magistrate found that Dludla was unlikely to evade trial and was not considered a flight risk.
The court also found that he did not pose a danger to society.
Dludla is expected to return to court soon as the criminal proceedings continue.
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