KZN MEC orders attempted murder probe after drunk taxi driver causes crash on R34
Image: Supplied/ KZN Dept of Transport
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has ordered that a drunk taxi driver involved in a major accident on the R34 near Empangeni be charged with attempted murder, vowing to maintain a 'Zero Tolerance posture' on reckless driving.
Duma confirmed that Road Safety Directorate teams, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and district chaplain Fata Sipho Mbatha were on the scene after the taxi, travelling from Empangeni to eMasangweni with passengers from the same family, collided with a Ford Ranger and veered off the road
'According to the passengers, the taxi driver was heavily intoxicated and was driving recklessly.
'He attempted to overtake the Ford Ranger and hit the rear end causing the two cars to veer off the road down the embankment. The driver of the Ford Ranger corroborated this,' Duma alleged.
Duma said he has instructed the RTI to work with SAPS to ensure the driver is held accountable.
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'I have mandated our highly efficient and dedicated team from RTI to work with SAPS and press for attempted murder charges,' he said.
He added that the driver must undergo a breathalyzer and blood tests, and if found over the legal limit they must arrest him .
'He must remain in custody until he is sober' and appear in court within 48 hours, said Duma .
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