JOHANNESBURG- A scholar transport driver has been arrested after a serious crash on Westpark Drive in Montgomery Park, Randburg, left several school children injured on Monday morning. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident and is now facing multiple charges.
The accident occurred during the morning school rush and involved a white Toyota Quantum minibus operating as a scholar transport vehicle. According to police, the minibus allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle before the driver lost control, leading to a single-vehicle collision.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officers responded to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered that the Toyota Quantum had veered off the road, resulting in a crash that left twelve learners injured,” Fihla confirmed. “It was established that the driver of the minibus was under the influence of alcohol. He was immediately arrested and detained at Sophiatown SAPS. He now faces charges of reckless and negligent driving while under the influence of alcohol.”
Fihla said the injured children were treated on the scene before being transported to nearby medical facilities for further care. None of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening, but parents and community members have been left shaken by the event.
Scholar Transport Driver Arrested After Reckless Crash Injures 12 Learners
The incident has reignited public concern about the safety of children using scholar transport services, particularly in Gauteng, where similar accidents have made headlines in the past. Parents and local residents have voiced their outrage and frustration, calling for stricter regulations and frequent checks on scholar transport operators.
“This could have ended in tragedy,” said a Montgomery Park parent whose child was on the minibus. “We trust these drivers with our children’s lives every day. There should be zero tolerance for drinking and driving, especially when transporting learners.”
Others have taken to social media to demand that government authorities crack down on unqualified or irresponsible scholar transport drivers operating in and around Johannesburg.
The Department of Transport and local authorities are facing mounting pressure to reinforce regulations and increase monitoring of private and contracted scholar transport vehicles. Currently, scholar transport operators are required to meet strict roadworthy and licensing criteria, including holding a valid professional driving permit (PrDP).
However, enforcement has remained inconsistent, and many vehicles operate without proper documentation or regular inspections.
“It’s not enough to have laws on paper. We need visible enforcement and surprise checks to ensure our children are safe,” said transport analyst Lunga Mokoena. “Any scholar transport driver found intoxicated while on duty should face immediate suspension and criminal prosecution.”
Following the incident, the JMPD announced plans to intensify scholar transport inspections throughout the city. Officers will now conduct random vehicle stops near schools during peak pick-up and drop-off times.
“Our priority is the safety of learners,” Fihla said. “We cannot allow irresponsible behavior to put young lives at risk. We urge parents to verify the credentials and track records of any transport operators they entrust with their children.”
He also encouraged schools to report any suspicious or unprofessional behavior by scholar transport drivers, including speeding, overcrowding, or erratic driving.
The arrested scholar transport driver now faces multiple charges that may result in serious legal consequences. In addition to charges of reckless and negligent driving, the driver may also face civil lawsuits from the affected learners’ families.
According to South African law, driving under the influence — especially when it endangers children — can carry a jail sentence, a substantial fine, and the revocation of a professional driving permit.
“The law is clear. Transporting learners is a position of trust, and any violation of that trust must be punished to the full extent of the law,” said legal expert Amanda Ngwenya.
As the twelve injured learners recover, authorities and community leaders are urging parents to remain vigilant and proactive. Parents are encouraged to regularly inspect the condition of scholar transport vehicles, ensure drivers are properly accredited, and communicate directly with schools about any concerns.
This incident is a sobering reminder of the crucial role responsible scholar transport drivers play in the daily lives of thousands of South African families — and how devastating the consequences can be when that trust is broken.
Source- EWN
