Gauteng police have arrested the 22-year-old scholar transport driver involved in the crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark earlier this week.
The driver was taken into custody on Monday night, shortly after being discharged from hospital.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says the suspect is expected to appear before the local magistrate’s court within 48 hours, where he will face 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Masondo confirmed that police verified the casualty figures following visits to hospitals and the mortuary.
“Twelve learners were confirmed dead at the scene, while five others were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, of which one has since been discharged,” he said.
He added that the truck driver involved in the collision was not injured, while the truck passenger sustained injuries and remains in hospital.
Police say investigations are continuing, with officers in the process of obtaining witness statements as they piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.