eThekwini Municipality Suspends Water Tanker Driver Following Celani Zungu’s Death in Adams Mission

• The water tanker driver, who was driving the vehicle in the Adams Mission tragedy, remains under investigation
• The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cyril Kaba confirmed that action had been taken against the driver
• South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the latest development, sharing mixed reactions to the update

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

KWA-ZULU NATAL — The eThekwini Municipality has suspended the driver of a water tanker following the death of Celani Zungu.

Zungu was fatally crushed by the vehicle in Adams Mission, Umbumbulu, reportedly after trying to prevent the vehicle from leaving the area. The video of the incident went viral on social media.

Residents claimed that the tanker only delivered to one household before the driver tried to leave. Community members also claimed that some tanker drivers were selling water.

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Driver suspended as dual investigation continues

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Kaba confirmed that two parallel probes are under way: an internal municipal inquiry and a formal police investigation. The municipality has acted swiftly by suspending the tanker driver pending the outcome of both processes.

Social media users divided over driver's culpability

The incident ignited significant debate online, with users split over whether the driver bore responsibility or whether Zungu's positioning contributed to the tragedy.

Thelma Ganda wrote:

"Even if he were fired, I can give him half of my salary every month because he's innocent."

Samuel Mapingure asked about Zungu:

"Why was he carrying a hammer instead of a bucket?"

Obert Jae Kalala Jr. commented:

"He was in the driver's blind spot. I think the driver thought he moved out of the way."

Noccie Bee Gumede stated:

"The driver is innocent. His life was in danger. He was running for his life."

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Martin J Booker, however, took a harder stance:

"That poor guy was pinned in front of the wheel of the truck. Then the driver drove over him. If the driver wasn't allegedly busy selling free water, there would have been no issue at all. He fled because he was allegedly caught in misconduct of his duties. The guy needs to answer some questions."

Police says there's no grounds to arrest driver

Briefly News reported that KwaZulu-Natal police have provided an update into invesigations into the Adams Mission tragedy.

Police confirmed that despite the fact that there was video evidence, they had no grounds to arrest the driver.

South Africans weighed in on the police's confirmation regarding charges, agreeing with the decision

Source: Briefly News