Vanderbijlpark crash: Chikunga says govt has rehabilitation responsibility for driver

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said the government has a responsibility toward the driver involved in the deadly school transport crash in Vanderbijlpark.

Chikunga made the remarks during a joint funeral service for three of the victims, Thato Moetji, Ofentse Vinger, and Bokamoso Mokhobo, in Sbokeng on Sunday. 

The crash, which occurred earlier this week, claimed the lives of 14 learners when their minibus collided with a truck.

Police said that the driver was attempting an illegal overtaking attempt at the time of the crash.

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While acknowledging the anger and heartbreak of the community, Chikunga said South Africa remains a society rooted in rehabilitation and due process.

“Where the law demands accountability, it must be met, where recklessness is proven, it must be named, and justice must prevail. But we are a society that also believes in rehabilitation and behaviour modification. If there is a path that prevents another young person from repeating this harm through treatment, education, mentorship and structured intervention, we must build it.”

The driver has been arrested and faces 14 counts of murder, along with a string of other charges.