ALBERTON – The truck driver involved in the accident on the N12 appeared in Palmridge Magistrates court for his bail hearing on October 22.
The court case has been postponed to October 27 when the Magistrate will give the judgement on the bail hearing. The driver remains in custody.
According to Warrant Officer Phokungwane the truck and accident is still being investigated.
Previous reports stated four people died however the State Prosecutor said they are aware of three deaths. The crash involved 48 cars. Three people died, seven were critically injured and 19 had escaped with minor injuries.
The state is opposing bail.
The driver fled the scene of the accident and was arrested in Potchefstroom the day after the accident. According to the state prosecutor this action shows that the driver is a flight risk.
They further motivated that the driver is a danger to the public, since driving is his only means of income.
The investigating officer WO Phokungwane said in court that it his opinion that the dirver’s bail should not be posted.
The driver’s lawyer stated that he is willing to hand over his driver’s licence and to report to the police station on a regular basis if he is granted bail.
He further said that the driver is a father of two and he would go home to his children if he is released on bail.
The driver was previously convicted for culpable homicide as well as reckless and negligent driving. He was acquitted from a former charge of culpable homicide against him.
