Bail granted to N12 truck driver
The truck driver involved in the N12 crash was granted bail on October 27, bail was set at R7 000
ALBERTON – The truck driver involved in the accident that happened on October 14 appeared in court on October 27 for the judgement of the bail hearing.
The driver remained in custody, after his bail hearing on October 22 was postponed.
The conditions of his bail entail that he should stay at his verified address, and that he may only leave Viljoenskroon after getting written permission. He also has to report to the local police station every Monday between 07:00 and 19:00.
According to Warrant Officer Phokungwane the truck and accident is still being investigated.
Previous reports stated four people died, but the State Prosecutor said they are aware of only three deaths.
The crash involved 48 cars. Three people died, seven were critically injured and 19 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. The state 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 is his opinion that the drivers bail should not be posted. According to him and the State Prosecutor this would give the wrong impression to the public.
The driver’s lawyer, Mokhele Salemane, stated that the driver 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 also 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.
The driver’s next appearance in court is on November 12. He has indicated that he will be pleading not guilty to the three charges of culpable homicide against him.
