Bail bid looms for driver accused in Vanderbijlpark horror crash.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Scholar transport driver Ayanda Dludla is expected to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on Wednesday as he renews his bid for bail following the crash that claimed the lives of 14 school children.
The 22-year-old faces multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and reckless driving after the minibus he was driving collided head-on with a truck earlier this year.
The crash occurred in January near Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng when the scholar transport minibus collided head-on with a truck while transporting learners to school.
It is alleged that the vehicle attempted to overtake another car before moving into the path of the oncoming truck.
Fourteen children died at the scene, while several others were injured and rushed to the hospital.
"Initially, at face value, the charges were culpable homicide. But when the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) produced the docket and studied the evidence that is in the docket, we found that we have prima facie evidence to prefer murder charges against the accused," said spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana at the time.
The State is expected to oppose bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Dludla has remained in custody since his arrest and is now seeking release while he awaits trial.
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