Drunk driver who caused death of three sentenced to 11 years
A drunk driver who caused the death of three passengers when he lost control of his car on the R550 (Nigel Road) on May 25, 2013, was sentenced to an effective 11 years imprisonment, in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court on September 29.
Michael Madikwa Komane (45), of Extension 7, Vosloorus, pleaded guilty to and was found guilty of three counts of culpable homicide and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol, on September 12.
His blood alcohol level at the time of the accident was 0.20 (legal limit is 0.05).
The passengers who died were Thembi Martha Mpongose, Ben Johannes Banda and Skhumbuzo Nkosi (all adults). Two of the victims died on the scene and the third died in hospital.
Magistrate Colbert Ramufhufhi sentenced Komane to eight years imprisonment on the three counts of culpable homicide and six years imprisonment on the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.
He also ordered that three of the six years for the second charge run concurrently with the sentencing for the three counts of culpable homicide – thereby, sentencing him to an effective 11 years in jail.
Takalani Mukhumo represented the state.
* Constable Nkemeleng Mabula, from the Dawn Park SAPS, commended the thorough investigation done by Detective Constable Gift Mangomeni in securing these convictions.
