Supports Murder Charges
By Karabo Marifi
Vanderbijlpark –
The family of 17-year-old Puleng Maphalla, one of the 14 young learners who tragically lost their lives in Monday’s horrific road crash, has expressed relief over the decision to charge the scholar transport driver with multiple counts of murder.
This upgrade from initial culpable homicide charges brings a sense of justice to the grieving relatives, who say it shows the seriousness of the loss and the need for accountability in a case that has left the Vaal community heartbroken and angry.
Puleng, a bright teenager with dreams ahead, was among the victims when the minibus taxi they were in collided with a truck on Fred Droste Road near the ArcelorMittal steel plant.
As the driver faces court, families like Puleng’s are pushing for stricter rules on scholar transport, hoping this pain leads to real changes that save lives in the future.
The Devastating Crash That Claimed 14 Young Lives
The accident unfolded around 07:00 on 19 January 2026, on the busy R553 Golden Highway between Bophelong and Sebokeng.
A minibus taxi, overloaded with 23 learners headed to various schools, smashed head-on into a side tipper truck. The impact was so severe that the minibus was left mangled, with debris scattered across the road.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene, but the horror was immediate: 11 children died right there, and three more passed away later from their injuries, raising the total to 14.
The victims ranged from primary school kids to high schoolers, including Puleng Maphalla, an 18-year-old Phehello Motaung, seven-year-old Lesego Sefatsa, Thato Moetji, and Sagwadi Mathe – two Grade 12 girls whose futures were stolen just as their final year began.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes with parents arriving in tears, desperately searching for their little ones. The minibus was meant for 14 passengers but carried 23, highlighting common issues like overloading that put lives at risk.
This stretch of road, often used by heavy trucks and scholar transports, has seen accidents before, but nothing on this scale.
Investigations point to possible reckless driving, with the young driver now at the centre of scrutiny.
Families have called for the vehicle owner – the driver’s father – to also face charges, arguing that poor maintenance and hiring practices contributed to the tragedy.
Family’s Reaction to Upgraded Charges
Puleng Maphalla’s family, still reeling from the loss, welcomed the shift to murder charges.
“This was not a mistake – 14 children are gone,” a grieving relative said, emphasising that the upgrade reflects the gravity of the incident. They feel it honours the victims by treating the case as more than an accident, pushing for full accountability.
The 22-year-old driver, Ayanda “Biggie” Dludla, who was employed by his father, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Initially facing culpable homicide, the charges were changed to 14 counts of murder, plus reckless and negligent driving. In a surprising move, Dludla abandoned his bail application, choosing to stay in custody amid safety concerns from threats.
This decision brought some comfort to families, who feared he might flee or intimidate witnesses. Puleng’s relatives, like many others, have watched viral videos of the crash, reopening wounds but strengthening their resolve for justice.
They join calls from other victims’ families for stricter scholar transport laws, including mandatory safety checks and qualified drivers.
Victims’ Identities and Community Mourning
The Gauteng education department released the names of the 12 initial victims, helping communities put faces to the loss: Phehello Motaung, Lesego Sefatsa, Thato Moetji, Sagwadi Mathe, and others whose stories of promise have touched hearts
. Two more learners succumbed later, adding to the toll and deepening the sorrow.
Memorials and vigils have sprung up across the Vaal, with candlelight gatherings drawing crowds to pray and share memories.
At a memorial service on Friday at Sebokeng Hall, families spoke of the children’s laughter and dreams, turning grief into a call for change.
A joint mass funeral is planned for Sunday at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground, while some individual services happen on Saturday.
Support has poured in, with government promising to cover costs and provide counselling.
Psycho-social teams are helping survivors and classmates cope, as empty desks in schools like Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark serve as painful reminders.
Broader Calls for Scholar Transport Reforms
This crash has ignited demands for overhauls in scholar transport. Families want vehicle owners held accountable, pointing to issues like overloading and unqualified drivers.
In Gauteng, where similar accidents have claimed lives before, experts call for GPS tracking, regular inspections, and subsidies for safer buses.
The driver, facing court again soon, represents a system in need of fix. Parents now question sending kids on such rides, fearing repeats.
Government officials, including Premier Panyaza Lesufi, have vowed reviews of contracts and stricter rules to protect children.
On a national level, this tragedy echoes others, like those in the North West or Eastern Cape, where poor transport leads to lost futures. Reforms could include age limits for drivers and mandatory training, ensuring no more families endure this pain.
Path to Healing and Justice
As the Vaal mourns, the focus shifts to healing and prevention. Families like Puleng’s find strength in unity, supported by donations and community efforts. The upgraded charges bring resolve, but true justice means safer roads for all.
With the mass funeral on Sunday, the community will honour the 14 angels, vowing their memory drives change.
This heartbreaking event reminds everyone that children’s safety must come first, turning grief into action for a better tomorrow.
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