Scholar transport driver Ayanda Dludla, 23, has been granted R3,000 bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court following a fresh bail application.
Dludla faces 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder in connection with a scholar transport crash that claimed the lives of 14 schoolchildren earlier this year.
He is also charged with reckless and negligent driving, driving without a professional driving permit, and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Dludla’s release would not be in the interests of justice. The prosecution also raised concerns about his safety amid public anger following the deaths.
The defence argued that Dludla was not a flight risk and would comply with conditions imposed by the court.
The crash occurred on the R553 Golden Highway when the scholar transport vehicle collided with a heavy truck. Eleven learners died at the scene, while three later died in hospital.
Dludla will remain out on bail while the criminal proceedings continue.
He has not been convicted of the charges and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
