In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about road safety and the regulation of scholar transport services, a scholar transport driver was arrested following a crash that left at least 20 school learners injured in Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The driver, who was operating an unroadworthy minibus taxi, reportedly lost control of the vehicle and plunged off the KwaKhetha bridge on the P127 route.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting a swift response from law enforcement and provincial authorities. The KZN Department of Transport confirmed the arrest of the driver, who had fled the scene immediately after the crash.
Driver Lacked Valid License and Professional Permit
Investigations revealed that the scholar transport driver was not in possession of a valid driver’s license. Authorities discovered that he only had a learner’s license — an illegal status for anyone tasked with transporting schoolchildren.
Moreover, the driver did not have a Professional Driving Permit (PDP), a legal requirement for individuals involved in the transport of passengers, particularly learners. His failure to comply with this regulation is a direct violation of the National Land Transport Act, which governs the standards and operational requirements for public transport in South Africa.
According to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the KZN Department of Transport, the driver’s actions were both reckless and criminal.
“The driver is in possession of a learner’s license only. I have mandated our highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to be firm and work with traffic departments in Impendle Local Municipality and other areas to root out unqualified and illegal operators,” said Sibiya.
Compounding the severity of the situation, the minibus taxi used in the crash was deemed unroadworthy. The vehicle’s poor condition contributed to the driver losing control, leading to the horrific plunge off the bridge. The lack of maintenance and disregard for basic roadworthiness standards is not only a threat to passengers but also to other road users.
Road safety experts have long warned about the dangers posed by unregulated scholar transport services, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas like Impendle. The use of poorly maintained vehicles by unqualified drivers has led to multiple incidents over the years, prompting repeated calls for stricter enforcement and oversight.
The 20 injured learners, who were on their way to school at the time of the crash, were treated for various injuries. Emergency services were quick to respond and transported the children to nearby healthcare facilities. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported, but the physical and emotional trauma suffered by the learners will likely have lasting effects.
Parents and guardians in the region have expressed outrage and fear, with many demanding immediate action from authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The KZN Department of Transport has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all scholar transport operators comply with the law. This includes mandatory background checks, valid driver’s licenses, possession of PDPs, and the use of roadworthy vehicles.
Sibiya emphasized that the Department will work closely with municipalities and law enforcement agencies to intensify road safety campaigns and enforcement actions.
“We will not allow unqualified and illegal drivers to endanger the lives of our children. Scholar transport must be safe, reliable, and compliant with all regulations,” he stated.
In the wake of this tragic crash, the public is being urged to report any suspicious or illegal scholar transport drivers to the local authorities. Communities are encouraged to verify the credentials of those transporting learners and ensure that vehicles meet the required safety standards.
This case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of proper regulation and community vigilance. The arrest of the driver marks the beginning of what the Department hopes will be a broader initiative to clean up the scholar transport sector and protect South Africa’s future — its children.
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Source- EWN
