By Charmaine Ndlela

A memorial service for the 14 learners killed in Monday’s Vanderbijlpark crash will be held at 11am on Friday at Sebokeng Hall, ahead of a joint funeral service on Sunday at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Ground in Sebokeng.

The learners died on Monday when the minibus taxi they were travelling in collided with a truck. Twelve learners died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the Department of Education released the names of the deceased learners, who were pupils from several schools across the Vaal area:

Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark

Bokamoso Mokhobo (Grade 8)

Sibongile Madonsela (Grade 10)

Thato Moetji (Grade 12)

Sagwadi Mathe (Grade 12)

Vaal High School

Leano Moiloa (Grade 8)

El-Shaddai Christian School

Pheello Motaung (Grade 11)

Puleng Maphalla (Grade 11)

Naledi Motsapi (Grade 10)

Bohlale Lekekela (Grade 1)

Vanderbijlpark

Buhle Radebe (Grade 11)

Primary schools

Lesego Sefatsa (Grade 2), Oakwood Primary School

Letlotlo Katlego Makwe (Grade 2), Vaal Triangle Primary School

Ofentse Jayden Vinger (Grade 1), Oliver Lodge Primary School

Lindokuhle Mabaso (Grade 5), Noordhoek Primary School

The driver of the scholar transport taxi, 22-year-old Ayanda Dludla, appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Dludla has been charged with 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and charges including reckless and negligent driving, among other charges.

Investigations are ongoing.

Dludla remains in custody and is expected back in court on 5 March.

INSIDE EDUCATION