Scholar Transport Driver Granted R3,000 Bail After Crash Killed 14 Learners
Ayanda Dludla has been granted R3,000 bail after crashing a scholar transport minibus into a truck on the Golden Highway, killing 14 learners.
The scholar transport driver accused of causing a crash that killed 14 learners in Vanderbijlpark has been granted R3,000 bail.
Ayanda Dludla was granted bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court after successfully bringing a fresh application based on new facts.
Dludla had previously abandoned an earlier bid for release.
He faces 14 counts of murder and attempted murder arising from the fatal crash on the Golden Highway in January.
The State has also accused him of violating several road traffic regulations.
State Opposed Bail
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed Dludla’s release, arguing that there could be risks associated with his release amid public anger over the deaths.
Dludla’s legal team rejected the suggestion that there were credible threats against him.
His lawyers argued that he was not a flight risk and would comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
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The defence indicated that Dludla was prepared to report to Sebokeng police station as required.
The court ultimately granted him bail of R3,000.
The NPA said it noted the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court’s decision to release Dludla on bail.
Crash Killed 14 Learners
The fatal crash occurred just three days after schools reopened for the new academic year.
Dludla was driving a Toyota Quantum transporting learners when it collided with a side-tipper truck on the R553 Golden Highway.
Eleven learners died at the scene.
Three other learners later succumbed to their injuries in hospital, bringing the death toll to 14.
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The crash sparked widespread concern across the country and renewed scrutiny of road safety, particularly the regulation and oversight of scholar transport services.
Trial To Continue
Dludla remains before the court on the charges arising from the crash.
The allegations against him have not been proven, and the granting of bail does not amount to a finding of guilt.
The case will continue as the prosecution and defence prepare for further proceedings.
