Cyclist Describes Harrowing Scene After 12 Pupils Killed in Vaal Crash
- A cyclist who witnessed the horrific accident that claimed the lives of 12 schoolchildren described the tragic scene
- Preliminary investigations indicate that the minibus driver attempted to overtake a vehicle and failed to see an oncoming truck
- Parents rushed to the scene after hearing about the accident to see if their children were involved
Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: Twitter
GAUTENG, VANDERBIJLPARK - What started as a normal Monday morning turned into a nightmare for a cyclist who witnessed the crash that claimed the lives of 12 pupils near Vanderbijlpark. The cyclist has described the harrowing scene following the collision.
Taxi driver standing with his hands on his head
The children were travelling to school along a narrow road on Monday, 19 January 2026, when their scholar transport was involved in a crash on a route known for reckless driving. The cyclist, identified as Mxolisi Jakozela, said people quickly began arriving at the scene after the collision.
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He said it was distressing to see children lying on the road and added that one pupil, a girl who survived the crash, was standing nearby and crying. The death toll initially stood at 11 but later increased to 12. The driver of the scholar transport survived the crash. Jakozela said he saw the taxi driver standing with his hands on his head after the horrific crash. He described the scene as very painful, and said all he could do was cry.
Driver attempted to overtake a vehicle
Preliminary investigations indicate that the minibus driver attempted to overtake a vehicle and failed to see an oncoming truck, leading to a head-on collision. Parents rushed to the scene after hearing about the accident, with one parent saying he went to check whether his own child, who also uses scholar transport, had been involved.
Police have launched an investigation into the crash, with a focus on accountability. Thirteen cases of culpable homicide have been opened. Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo stated that additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. He said police are expected to obtain statements from eyewitnesses, including the driver of the scholar transport who survived the crash.
Source: Facebook
What you need to know about the crash
- An eyewitness reported that reckless overtaking led to the collision between the truck and the minibus taxi.
- The Mayor of Emuleni, Sipho Radebe, has weighed in on the deadly accident that claimed the lives of 12 children in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi weighed in on the fatal Vaal accident that left 12 schoolchildren dead.
- Gauteng Education Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) Matome Chiloane provided an update on the fatal crash.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences after 12 children died during an accident in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi heartbroken over tragic schoolchildren accident
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Mbuyiseni Ndlozi shared his deep sadness after 12 young pupils from the Vaal were killed in a horrific road accident on their way to school.
The former politician described the loss as part of a painful string of disasters hitting Mzansi lately.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
