South Africa Revises Death Toll in School Bus Crash to 12; Driver Arrested

Authorities say all victims died at the scene as investigators confirm expired permit and reckless driving allegations.

By: Haitian Prime News|January 20, 2026|Johannesburg, South Africa

South African authorities on Tuesday revised the death toll in a school bus crash south of Johannesburg to 12 children and confirmed that the driver has been arrested and will face criminal charges.

The crash occurred early Monday morning when a privately operated minibus transporting children to multiple schools collided head-on with a truck. Officials initially reported that 13 children had died, including one who later succumbed to injuries at a hospital. Authorities now say all 12 fatalities occurred at the scene and that no additional deaths were reported after hospitalization.

The Gauteng provincial health department said the victims included nine girls and three boys. Five other children were injured and remain hospitalized, along with the bus driver and a passenger from the truck.

Police confirmed that the 22-year-old male driver was arrested after being discharged from the hospital. He is expected to be charged with 12 counts of culpable homicide, a criminal offense comparable to manslaughter, as well as reckless and negligent driving. Witnesses told investigators that the minibus had been overtaking other vehicles when it collided with the truck.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the driver’s permit to operate a minibus had expired, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and safety oversight within the private school transport sector.

Schools across South Africa reopened last week following the end-of-year holiday break. Many children rely on privately operated transport services to travel to and from school. Earlier this month, the Child Safe advocacy group urged parents to exercise caution when selecting school transport providers, warning about poorly maintained vehicles and unlicensed operators.

Authorities said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Sources

Associated Press (AP)

Gauteng Provincial Government

Gauteng Department of Health