- Gert van Emmenis, accused of causing a fatal crash in Carletonville, has been released on R20,000 bail.
- The accident resulted in the deaths of 11 children and their driver.
- Van Emmenis faces 12 counts of culpable homicide and one count of reckless and/or negligent driving.
- Prosecutor did not oppose bail but requested conditions, including surrendering his passport.
Gert van Emmenis, accused of causing a fatal accident that killed 11 children and their driver, has been released on R20,000 bail.
Man linked to Carletonville horror crash gets bail
The 55-year-old appeared at the Fochville Magistrate’s Court dressed in a black suit and white shirt.
He faces 12 counts of culpable homicide and one count of reckless and/or negligent driving.
The charges stem from a tragic accident where his bakkie collided with a vehicle carrying schoolchildren, resulting in a devastating fire that left the children and their driver burnt beyond recognition.
Prosecutor Solomon Taueatsoala did not oppose bail but requested specific conditions.
“The state does not oppose bail in this matter, but we ask that there be conditions,” Taueatsoala said.
“The accused person must hand over his passport to the state, and he needs to make an application for the passport when he needs it. He must not make contact or interfere with the witnesses.”
Van Emmenis’ address was verified, and he was granted bail on the condition that he comply with the stipulated terms.
Who is Gert van Emmenis?
Gert van Emmenis is an HR leader at Harmony, a position he has held for 22 years.
He describes himself as “a person looking for ways and means to improve workplace practice and to enable individuals and teams to perform optimally.”
Van Emmenis holds a Diploma in HR Management from Vaal University of Technology, obtained in 1994, and matriculated from Evander High School in 1987.
Despite his professional background, van Emmenis now finds himself at the centre of a legal battle that has drawn significant public attention.
The charges against him are serious, and the court’s decision to grant bail has sparked mixed reactions.
Many in the community are mourning the loss of the young lives and the driver, whose deaths have left a deep void.
The incident occurred as the children were on their way to school.
Van Emmenis allegedly rammed his white Ford Ranger bakkie into their vehicle, causing the fatal accident.
As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the events leading up to the crash and the legal proceedings that will follow.
For now, van Emmenis remains free on bail, with the conditions set to ensure he does not interfere with the ongoing investigation or witnesses involved in the case.