Viable News Team 
VANDERBIJLPARK — Scholar transport driver Ayanda Dludla, 23, has been granted bail of R3,000 following a fresh bail application in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court.
Dludla is facing 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder following a devastating scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark that claimed the lives of 14 schoolchildren earlier this year.
He is also facing charges of reckless and negligent driving, driving without a professional driving permit and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.
The State opposed Dludla’s release, arguing that it would not be in the interests of justice. Concerns were also reportedly raised about his safety amid public anger over the deaths of the learners.
Dludla’s defence argued that he was not a flight risk and would comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
The crash happened when the scholar transport vehicle collided with a heavy truck on the R553 Golden Highway. Eleven learners died at the scene, while three others later died in hospital.
Dludla will now continue with the criminal proceedings while out on bail.
The case remains before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court, with further details about his bail conditions and the next court date expected to follow.
All the charges against Dludla remain allegations until proven guilty in court.
Rea Gazette will continue to follow the case and provide updates as they become available.
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