News24.com | Free State bus driver arrested for assaulting, strangling pupil

A 56-year-old bus driver was arrested after he allegedly assaulted and strangled a 17-year-old pupil inside a school bus in Hoopstad, in the Free State, police said.

A 56-year-old bus driver was arrested after he allegedly assaulted and strangled a 17-year-old pupil inside a school bus in Hoopstad, Free State, police said.

Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said the incident happened on Monday when the pupil was waiting for the scholar transport.

"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.

"The learner then decided to enter the bus to ask the driver why he could not use the bus to school. It is alleged that the bus driver started to assault the learner and strangled him," Thakeng said.

Thakeng said the pupil fought back, but was overpowered by the bus driver.

He said:

Thakeng said the bus driver was arrested and is expected to appear on charges of assault and attempted murder in the Hoopstad Magistrate's Court on Friday.

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