JOHANNESBURG - The driver of the scholar transport involved in the deadly Vanderbijlpark crash that claimed the lives of 12 pupils was operating without a valid permit.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the driver’s license expired in November last year.
This means he was not legally authorised to transport pupils at the time of the accident.
The 22-year-old driver was arrested after he was discharged from hospital.
He is expected to appear before court on 12 charges of culpable homicide as well as reckless and negligent driving.
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The crash occurred on Monday on a narrow road near Vanderbijlpark, a route notorious for reckless truck driving.
Preliminary investigations to date indicate that the minibus driver attempted to overtake a vehicle in front of him and did not notice an oncoming truck, resulting in a head-on collision.
At the time the children were on the way to school.
Lesufi said bodies of the deceased pupils have been positively identified by their parents.
Of those injured Lesufi says five were admitted to the hospital with two pupils still in ICU.
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As for the truck driver, Lesufi explains that he sustained minor injuries and took himself to hospital immediately after the crash.
He was discharged and police have confirmed that he is expected to provide a full statement.
The truck’s assistant driver was also hospitalised following the crash but has since been discharged after receiving medical care, Lesufi added.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that all affected families and schools have been supported with psychosocial support.
Burial support will also be offered to the deceased families, Gwarube added.