Twenty-two-year-old Ayanda Dludla, the scholar transport driver at the center of the Vanderbijlpark fatal accident will remain in custody until 5 March, after he abandoned bail.

Dludla appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this morning, facing 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, after two learners succumbed to their injuries in the early hours of the morning.

He is also charged with driving without a valid permit and operating an unlicensed vehicle.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it has prima facie evidence against Dludla. NPA Gauteng spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana stated that the court docket supports 14 counts of murder, rather than the culpable homicide charges initially filed.

“Initially, the charges were for culpable homicide, but after reviewing the evidence, we found that we have sufficient grounds to prefer murder charges. He is also facing charges of contravening the trafficking act.”