Tragic Vanderbijlpark Crash: Taxi Driver Held for Expired Permit
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has revealed distressing details about the tragic scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark that resulted in the deaths of twelve pupils. The driver of the minibus taxi was found to have been operating with an expired public driver's permit, raising serious concerns about regulation in the transport sector.
The tragic accident occurred on Monday when the minibus taxi collided with a truck while en route to school, resulting in the loss of life for twelve young learners. Five other pupils sustained injuries, with two currently in intensive care. “Our hearts are not only bleeding, it’s becoming harder and harder to hold back our emotions,” said Lesufi during a media briefing on Tuesday. “It’s been a very difficult time for all of us.”
The taxi driver was discharged from the hospital shortly after the accident and subsequently arrested. According to Premier Lesufi, police confirmed that his Professional Driving Permit (PDP) expired in November 2025. The driver is expected to appear in court soon to face possible charges related to the incident.
Lesufi emphasised the urgent need for regulatory reform in the wake of such tragedies, stating, “An incident of this magnitude calls for a review of some of our legislation and regulations. We must eliminate this kind of behaviour within the transport sector.”
In the aftermath of the crash, Gauteng authorities are offering support to the families of the victims. All twelve pupils have been identified, with ten bodies collected by their families. Two remain at the Sebokeng Forensic Pathology Services mortuary. The provincial government is providing additional support through home visits, counselling, and assistance with funeral arrangements.
The truck driver involved in the collision, who was not seriously injured, went to the hospital voluntarily and has arranged to give a full statement to the police. His assistant was treated and discharged without serious injuries.
This tragic incident has shed light on the ongoing challenge of regulating scholar transport in the province. Premier Lesufi noted that while public scholar transport, which serves over 260,000 learners daily, is subject to regulation, private scholar transport presents significant monitoring difficulties. “Because these are family arrangements with the drivers, it’s extremely difficult for us to have the statistics,” Lesufi explained.
In a bid to enhance safety in the sector, the Gauteng provincial government has already begun cracking down on unsafe scholar transport prior to the crash. Between January 12 and 18, traffic officers issued hundreds of fines and notices to operators in Johannesburg and Tshwane. In Tshwane alone, 335 handwritten notices were issued for unroadworthy vehicles, amounting to R511,000 in fines, while Johannesburg saw 442 notices, totalling R696,000 in penalties.
Electronic enforcement tools, including CCTV and e-toll camera checks, flagged a total of 263 infringements in Tshwane and 850 in Johannesburg during this period. As part of their efforts, a total of 93 operating permits were discontinued across the province, sixteen vehicles were impounded, and five individuals were arrested—three for attempting to bribe law enforcement officials.
As the province mourns the tragic loss of young lives, the call for comprehensive reform in scholar transport practices has never been more urgent. The community and authorities alike are confronted with the pressing need to enhance safety measures and ensure that the lives of young learners are protected on their journeys to and from school.
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