Jozini crash truck driver facing culpable homicide, drunk driving charges

The truck driver in the horrific Jozini crash which claimed eight lives and left 32 others injured, is set to appear in court today, Friday, June 12.

Police spokesperson Capt Nqobile Gwala said the 48-year-old driver was expected to appear in the Ubombo magistrate’s court facing charges of culpable homicide and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

On Thursday, video footage of the crash emerged on social media.

The 23-second clip shows people walking along the pavement and cars driving out from a petrol station. Seconds later, the truck is seen ploughing through a minibus taxi. The truck crashed into at least four other vehicles.

The driver is being detained at Jozini police station.

In a statement on Thursday, transport minister Fikile Mbalula condemned the deaths of the eight people in an accident which he attributed to alleged alcohol abuse.

“The eight deceased lost their lives and many others were injured, after the driver of a sugar cane truck lost control of the vehicle. The truck hit two buses, one minibus taxi, one bakkie and one car.

“We call on all road users to exercise restraint and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption. Eight people have died and their families are now in mourning all because of the reckless behaviour of one individual. This is deplorable and simply unacceptable,” said Mbalula.

The accident sparked outrage, with many South Africans calling for the government to reinstate the ban on alcohol during level 3 of lockdown.