The driver of the van that collided with a private mini-bus taxis transporting learners near Carletonville last Wednesday, Gert Laurence van Emmens, has been granted bail of R20 000 by the Fochville Magistrates’ Court.
Eleven learners, including the driver of the taxi, died when the vehicle overturned and caught fire.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Van Emmens was driving a Ford Ranger motor vehicle, on JB Marx Road in Fochville, when the accident happened.
“The court granted Gert Laurence van Emmens bail of R20 000 on schedule one offence with conditions, that he should hand over his passport to the investigating officer and that he should not interfere directly or indirectly with witnesses.
He is facing charges of 12 counts of culpable homicide and a count of reckless and or negligent driving alternatively inconsiderate driving,” said NPA Gauteng spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana.
Ten of the learners are from Rocklands Primary School and one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.
The matter was postponed to 15 October 2024 for further investigations.
