Families of Vanderbijlpark crash victims want scholar transport system scrapped

The families of 12 learners killed in a tragic crash in Vanderbijlpark are now calling for the abolition of scholar transport vehicles.

Earlier on Tuesday, police confirmed they arrested the driver of the minibus taxi that was carrying the children after he was discharged from hospital with minor injuries. 

Preliminary investigations suggest the 22-year-old attempted to illegally overtake other vehicles before colliding with a truck instantly and killing 12 children.

Five others were taken to hospital, with one discharged on Tuesday.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, alongside Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, visited the homes of some of the victims, offering condolences and committing to reforms around scholar transport safety.

While the visits were welcomed by some, they were also met with anger and frustration - as grieving parents questioned whether enough is being done to prevent such tragedies.

Gwarube and Chiolane, joined by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, later briefed the media to outline proposed measures and regulatory changes aimed at curbing scholar transport crashes.