THE scholar transport driver, who caused a crash that killed six pupils in Mitchells Plain, has been sentenced to five years direct imprisonment by the Mitchells Plain Regional Court, Western Cape, on Thursday, 26 February.
The court found Mninikhaya Mvuli (driver's age not provided) guilty on six counts of culpable homicide.
Six pupils, aged between seven and 14, died in the horror crash in May 2023 along AZ Berman Drive.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the sentence.
"The Mitchells Regional Court has sentenced scholar transport driver Mvuli to an effective five-year direct imprisonment and cancelled his driver's licence for the next 10 years," he said.
The court heard that Mvuli lost control of his bakkie while transporting pupils. The vehicle hit a tree, traffic lights, mounted a traffic island and crashed into a bus before stopping.
Six kids were killed in the crash.
Mvuli initially pleaded guilty. But the court later changed the plea to not guilty after it wasn't satisfied that he fully admitted negligence.
Doctors had diagnosed him with seizures in 2022. He was given medication and warned not to drive.
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"The court heard that doctors diagnosed the accused with seizures in 2022 and prescribed medication," said Ntabazalila.
A medical doctor testified that Mvuli wasn't cleared for a Professional Driver's Permit because he still suffered probable seizures.
The state argued that the driver acted with negligence.
Evidence showed the vehicle was travelling at 101km/h during peak traffic. Pupils were seated on loose benches at the back with only a canopy for protection.
The court agreed that the accused was grossly negligent.
"The court took all six counts together for purposes of sentence and sentenced the accused to nine years' direct imprisonment with four years suspended," said Ntabazalila.
A Khayelitsha parent, who lost her kid in the accident, said taking Mvuli to court won't bring her daughter back.
"I cannot say I'm happy because this doesn't bring my kid back. I lost my only kid," she said.
Mvuli was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and banned from driving until 2036.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Nicolette Bell welcomed the outcome.
She urged scholar transport drivers to take extra care when transporting schoolkids.
She warned that the NPA will not hesitate to prosecute drivers who act negligently and put young lives at risk.
The victims' families shared emotional impact statements in court, describing their pain and anger.
The tragic accident left the Mitchells Plain community in shock.
Many residents said they hope the sentence sends a strong message to all drivers responsible for carrying schoolkids.
