Father Describes Accident Site As A Murder Scene – Video.The death toll of the horrific accident between a minibus taxi and a truck in the Vaal area has increased
A father of one of the learners who passed away in the crash spoke about his daughter’s love of church The father also described what he saw at the accident scene after realising it was the taxi his daughter travelled in
The father of one of the learners killed in the horrific Vaal accident has spoken about his daughter’s tragic passing. Puleng Maphalla (17), a Grade 11 El-Shaddai Christian School learner, was one of 14 students who lost their lives after the taxi they were travelling in collided with a truck. The accident happened on the Golden Highway between Bophelong and Sebokeng, near ArcelorMittal, on 17 January 2026.
Eleven learners were originally declared dead at the scene, but the total has now risen to 14 as others have succumbed to their injuries. A case of culpable homicide has been opened against the driver
An eyewitness said that the driver was reckless and overtook his vehicle and four others before colliding with the truck. Gauteng Education Member of the Executive Committee (MEC), Matome Chiloane, also confirmed that the driver was reprimanded for reckless driving before.
Father describes Puleng as a lovely child
Speaking to SABC News about the tragedy, the father of 17-year-old Puleng described his daughter as a lovely person who loved church. He recalled how he went to church with his daughter on Sunday, 18 January 2026, and how everyone was so happy. “She is someone who liked singing in the church. She loved the church very much, more than me.
WATCH | The father of 17-year-old Puleng Maphalla, one of the learners who was killed in the collision involving the truck and scholar transport vehicle in Vanderbijlpark, Vaal, has described her as a lovely child who loved church. The accident claimed the lives of thirteen… pic.twitter.com/Yx6IFI1zI8
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 19, 2026
Also Read – Another School Transport Accident Involving Learners