Jozini crash: Truck driver facing homicide, drunk driving charges
- KwaZulu-Natal MEC Bheki Ntuli says that he is appalled to hear that alcohol was allegedly involved in a recent tragic Jozini crash
- The horrific accident claimed the lives of eight people, injuring 32 in the process
- The 48-year-old truck driver, who was allegedly intoxicated, is now facing charges of drunk driving and culpable homicide
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KZN Transport MEC Bheki Ntuli is devastated to hear that alcohol was reportedly involved in the recent horrific Jozini crash.
The 48-year-old truck driver responsible is facing charges of drunk driving and culpable homicide.
News24 reports that eight people lost their lives in the crash with 32 injured in the process.
Paramedic reported indicated that the driver had seemingly lost control of the truck before barrelling into pedestrians and a minimum of nine other vehicles.
Police have since confirmed that the 48-year-old driver had traces of alcohol in his system.
READ ALSO: Bheki Cele hints at alcohol ban coming back as murders spike
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala commented on the tragic incident, saying that:
"A 48-year-old suspect is due to appear tomorrow (Friday) in the Ubombo Magistrate's Court on charges of drunken driving and culpable homicide."
After visiting the scene of the accident and being briefed by police, Ntuli examined the wreckage left behind as part of an investigation into what happened:
"I was appalled when I learnt that the truck driver is suspected to have been driving under the influence of alcohol, which could be the cause of this ghastly accident that resulted in eight fatalities."
Briefly.co.za reported that Police Minister Bheki Cele had hinted at a possible return of the liquor ban after noting high levels of crime as a result of the relaxation.
Ntuli was also alarmed by the spike in deaths on the road since the migration to Level 3:
"Alcohol has contributed immensely to bad driver behaviour which leads to traffic violations, road crashes and the increasing road death toll."
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Source: Briefly News
