Vanderbijlpark crash: Funerals of victims to take place on Saturday

The funerals of eight of the 14 learners who died in a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark will take place on Saturday, as families begin the painful process of laying their children to rest.

Police said the learners were on their way to school when the driver of the minibus taxi they were travelling in attempted an illegal overtaking manoeuvre on a narrow stretch of road, colliding with a truck and killing 12 learners instantly.

Five others were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, where two later succumbed, pushing the death toll to 14.

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A joint memorial service was held in Sebokeng on Friday, where hundreds of mourners gathered in grief and solidarity to honour the lives lost.

Families, friends and classmates spoke of children full of energy, mischief and big dreams - learners who left home for school and never returned.

The tragedy has reignited urgent questions around scholar transport safety, as bereaved families struggle to come to terms with a loss that has shattered an entire community.