HOOPSTAD - A 17-year-old learner was assaulted and strangled inside the school bus on 30 January 2023 in Hoopstad.

It is alleged that the learner was waiting for the bus with other learners in Hoopstad. The bus arrived, stopped and the bus driver alighted the bus with a name list. He started to call the names of the learners until the learner was the only one left on the ground.

The learner then decided to enter the bus to ask the bus driver why he cannot use the school bus to school. It is alleged that the bus driver started to assault the learner and strangled him. The learner tried to fight back but he was overpowered by the bus driver. The learner ultimately alighted the bus to report the incident to his mother.

The 56-year-old bus driver was arrested and he is facing common assault and attempted murder charges. He is expected to appear in the Hoopstad Magistrate Court on 03 February 2023.

Source: South African Police Service