Police open culpable homicide case after fatal scholar transport crash

Police have opened a case of culpable homicide following the fatal scholar transport crash that has claimed the lives of 13 learners in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg.

Investigators confirm that both the minibus taxi driver and the driver of the side tipper truck are under investigation, though no arrests have been made at this stage.

The development comes as forensic teams conclude their work at the scene and shift focus to accountability and possible negligence.

This stretch of road remains sealed off with police tape as detectives piece together the final moments before the collision that has left a community traumatised and families grappling with loss.

Police said a victim was found crushed beneath the minibus taxi, while another learner later died in hospital, taking the death toll to 13.

Spokesperson Mavela Masondo explained: “As for now, it's still early to confirm how far we are with the investigation.”

Both drivers survived the crash and will be formally questioned as part of the culpable homicide investigation, with four learners still in hospital in serious condition.

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