A truck crash on the M65 near King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal took an unexpected turn on Monday after an undocumented truck driver was arrested for allegedly fleeing the scene and attempting to conceal his identity.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), its Operations Centre received multiple calls for assistance at approximately 11:33 on Monday, 13 July 2026. Reaction Officers were immediately dispatched to the crash scene in La Mercy.
When officers arrived, they found a white Nissan Diesel truck lying on its side after it had allegedly failed to negotiate a sharp bend on the M65.
Driver Allegedly Fled Before Emergency Responders Arrived
RUSA said a man at the scene identified himself as the truck’s conductor and claimed that the driver had fled before first responders arrived.
However, moments later, the same man allegedly ran into nearby bushes, prompting Reaction Officers and a security officer from a private security company to give chase.
The suspect was apprehended a short distance away.
Investigation Revealed Driver’s Identity
According to RUSA, further investigation revealed that the man had allegedly falsely identified himself as a conductor and was, in fact, the driver of the overturned truck.
Two other men at the scene, who identified themselves as the truck’s conductors, reportedly confirmed that the apprehended man had been driving the vehicle when it failed to negotiate the bend, causing the truck to overturn.
Authorities further established that the suspect is an undocumented foreign national from Mangochi, Malawi.
Handed Over to SAPS
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to members of the King Shaka International Airport SAPS for further investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether any additional charges will be brought against the driver.
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