The Gauteng Department of Community Safety extends its deepest condolences to the families, relatives, schools, and communities affected by the tragic road crash involving a learner transport vehicle on the R553 Golden Highway near Vanderbijlpark on Monday, 19 January 2026.
The Department is deeply saddened by the loss of thirteen (13) learners, twelve (12) of whom died at the scene, with one learner succumbing to injuries in hospital. This devastating incident has left the province in grief and has deeply affected families across Sedibeng.
The preliminary reports indicate that the crash occurred at approximately 06:50 on the R553 Golden Highway, behind the ArcelorMittal facility, involving a minibus taxi transporting school learners from Sebokeng to Vanderbijlpark and an articulated truck travelling in the opposite direction.
At the time of the crash, the minibus was reportedly transporting seventeen (17) learners. In addition to the fatalities, three learners sustained critical injuries and one sustained minor injuries. Both drivers sustained slight injuries, while the passenger in the truck was not injured.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a case of culpable homicide, and investigations are currently underway. The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s Crash Investigation Unit is finalising its investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Department urges the public to allow law-enforcement authorities to conclude their investigations and to refrain from speculation.
Following the reopening of schools after the festive period, the Department intensified learner transport enforcement operations from 13 January 2026 across five corridors of the province, focusing on vehicle roadworthiness, driver fitness, and compliance with traffic laws.
These operations remain ongoing and will be further intensified in collaboration with the RTMC, SAPS, and other law-enforcement agencies to prevent further loss of life.
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety regards this incident as a tragic and unacceptable loss of lives and reiterates that the safety of learners on the province’s roads is a priority. Compliance with road traffic laws and learner transport regulations is not optional, and any form of negligence or disregard for the law will not be tolerated. The Department supports the ongoing investigations and will work closely with all relevant agencies to ensure that those found responsible are held accountable.
The Department urges all road users, particularly public transport operators, to always exercise heightened caution and responsibility, as reckless driving and unsafe overtaking continue to place innocent lives, especially those of children, at risk.
The Gauteng Provincial Government will continue to engage with affected families and schools to provide the necessary support during this difficult time. The Department once again extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured.
Issued by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety