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- A truck driver accused of causing an accident in Pongola, KZN that killed 19 children and two adults has appeared in court.
- A high-level provincial government delegation attended the proceedings.
- The delegation also plans to meet with affected families and schools.
A truck driver appeared in court in connection with Friday's horror crash on the N2 in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two adults who were travelling in a bakkie.
Sibusiso Siyaya, 28, appeared in the Pongola Magistrates' Court on 21 counts of culpable homicide.
Regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said Siyaya would remain in custody until his next appearance on Monday, 26 September for a bail application.
A high-level provincial government delegation was at the Pongola Magistrate's Court to attend the proceedings on Monday.
The delegation, led by KwaZulu-Natal acting premier Nomagugu Simelane, included Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka, and acting Education MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi.
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They are also expected to meet the families of the deceased and visit four schools affected by the tragedy.
Simelane said:
"The truck was travelling from Piet Retief to [Pongola] and police have opened a case of culpable homicide and negligent driving," the department added.
The community said it had previously raised concerns about reckless truck driving on the N2.
