The truck driver who was at the wheel when his vehicle collided with a bakkie, causing the deaths of 21 persons, the most of whom were children, has made his first appearance in court.

On Friday, the incident took place at Pongola, which is located in KwaZulu-Natal.

The matter was continued to be heard on September 26 when the driver appeared in court on Monday morning in the Pongola Magistrates Court, where it was postponed.

According to statements made by state prosecutors, they require further time to collect evidence connected to the horrible crash.

In the beginning of the proceedings, the magistrate informed the accused, Sibusiso Siyaya, that there were members of the media present in court.

Siyaya, through his attorney, made a request that he not be filmed or photographed for reasons pertaining to his safety; however, the truck driver stated that he has no objection to the events being recorded.

The state has given notice that it intends to oppose bail and has requested that the hearing be postponed.

State prosecutor, Adv. GP Sibeko: “The State is in every way opposed to the bail application proceeding today and that the matter be postponed to Monday, the 26th of September 2022, to enable the police to gather evidence to place before this court to enable this court to make a decision.”

[Translation:] “The State is opposed to the bail application proceeding today and that the matter be postponed to Monday, the 26th of September 2022.”

The hearing on the subject will now take place on the following Monday, when the defendant, who is 28 years old, will ask to be released on bail.