Vanderbijlpark crash accused to undergo mental fitness assessment
The driver at the centre of the devastating Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash, which claimed the lives of 14 learners, will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.
Ayanda Dludla, 23, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where the court approved a defence application for a psychiatric assessment.
The evaluation is expected to establish whether Dludla is mentally capable of understanding the court proceedings and properly participating in his defence.
His lawyer, Reward Nxumalo, told The Informer that his client has reportedly been struggling with flashbacks, nightmares, irritability and concentration difficulties since the fatal collision.
Nxumalo argued that the assessment would be in Dludla’s best interests and would help ensure that he receives a fair trial.
Dludla faces 14 counts of murder, as well as charges of attempted murder, following the January collision involving the minibus taxi he was driving and a side-tipper truck on the Golden Highway.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community, with 14 young lives lost in the crash.
The matter is expected to return to the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on 1 December.
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