Sipho Ntuli, the driver behind the wheel of the killer truck in Jozini on Wednesday appeared in the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court for the first time on Friday.
48-year-old Ntuli was charged with eight counts of culpable homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol.
He was arrested after crashing into pedestrians and 9 vehicles resulting in eight deaths, 32 serious injuries.
Police have confirmed that Ntuli had traces of alcohol in his blood at the time of his arrest.
On Wednesday, Ntuli lost control of the truck he was driving and crashed into pedestrians and vehicles leading to multiple deaths and dozens of injuries.
A total of ten vehicles were also damaged.
The spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in KZN, Natasha Kara, said Ntuli would remain in custody until 19 June, when he would be expected to apply for bail.
Relatives of the victims have called for Ntuli to face stiff punishment.
KZN Transport MEC Bheki Ntuli, who visited the crash site on Wednesday, said he was “appalled” that the driver may have been drunk at the time of the incident.
Ntuli will stay in custody until his bail application next week.
