The Gauteng Department of Education has revised the death toll of the scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark to 12 learners, following earlier reports that indicated 14 fatalities.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the updated figure was confirmed after proper investigations. He explained that confusion arose when parents and families gathered at the scene to locate their children. Mabona added that one learner remains unidentified, having been found under one of the vehicles, and appealed to families with missing children to contact the department to assist with identification and provide closure.
Mabona further assured that provincial departments will work together to offer psycho-social support to all affected victims and families.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the incident. She confirmed that, as of 07:00 on Tuesday, three learners are receiving treatment in the ICU at Sebokeng Hospital, with one in a critically unstable condition and two in a critical but stable condition. A fourth learner was airlifted to a private hospital in Alberton for specialised care.
Nkomo-Ralehoko also confirmed that the taxi driver involved in the accident was discharged from hospital on Monday and has since been taken into custody by the South African Police Service. She urged the public to respect the dignity of the victims and their families, assuring that verified updates will be communicated transparently.
