A Monday morning school run turned into a nightmare in Montgomery Park, Randburg, when a minibus transporting learners crashed—leaving twelve children injured.
The vehicle, a Toyota Quantum commonly used for scholar transport, reportedly overturned after the driver lost control while attempting to overtake another car.
Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.
> “He has been arrested and is currently being held at Sophiatown Police Station,” Fihla said. “He faces charges of reckless and negligent driving, as well as driving under the influence.”
The condition of the injured pupils has not yet been disclosed, and authorities are still assessing the full extent of the injuries.
This incident follows a troubling trend in South Africa’s scholar transport system, where reckless driving, poor vehicle conditions, and disregard for safety measures continue to endanger young lives.
Just days earlier in KwaZulu-Natal, another scholar transport accident involving a suspected drunk driver resulted in the death of one learner and injuries to ten others.
These accidents come amid growing concern about road safety in South Africa. The country was recently ranked as the most dangerous place in the world to drive, with high rates of drunk driving, speeding, and failure to use seatbelts.
Parents and community members have once again called for stricter regulation of scholar transport operators and tougher penalties for those who put children’s lives at risk.