NELPSRUIT- This morning George Mandlazi’s trial came to an abrupt end when he pleaded guilty to 24 counts of culpable homicide and one of reckless and negligent driving on a public road. He had been charged with 24 counts of murder; 23 of attempted murder and one of reckless and negligent driving after the truck he had driven on July 17, last year, ended up in the path of an approaching train.
The state was planning to question the remaining 31 witnesses scheduled to testify against Mandlazi, when he indicated that he would like to plead guilty to the lesser charges of culpable homicide. He admitted that he had not kept a proper lookout and that he had been careless. This resulted in the death of 24 people and he was fully aware of the consequences of his actions. Mandlazi, who was supported by his mother throughout the trial, has a valid driver’s licence. The 23 counts of attempted murder have been withdrawn.
He signed the amendment and the court indicated that it would accept his plea. Defence advocate, Ms Illanna Erasmus, requested that his bail be extended to tomorrow at 09:00, when the proceedings would be finalised. Mandlazi apologised for his actions and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
Read more about the initial reprort here.
