On 11 December Randburg Magistrates’ Court found Duduzane Zuma guilty of negligence in the final ruling of the inquest into the death of Phumzile Dube.
Zumas’ silver Porche 911 Turbo smashed into the rear-end of Jabulani Dlamini’s minibus taxi on the M1 South off-ramp to Grayston Drive, Sandton, on 1 February 2014.
Phumzile Dube died immediately after the accident but the inquest into her death, only started on 4 November.
Magistrate Lalita Chetty said in her judgment, ”A good driver has to prove that he did not only keep a good lookout but, that he also acted in a way that a reasonable man would have. Then, the collision would not have occurred … if he had reduced speed.”
The court was reluctant to use the testimony of the accident reconstruction expert Johannes Strydom, as most of his education in accident reconstruction was gained in a theoretical manner overseas and not practical.
”One’s speed needs to be reduced remarkably, a sudden reduction in speed would not have endangered other drivers [as there was no vehicle behind Zumas’ Porsche]. He should have decelerated as opposed to accelerating to avoid the water spraying off the vehicle in the adjacent lane,” said Magistrate Chetty and ruled, ”The court finds suspect one (Duduzane Zuma) responsible for the death of Phumzile Dube. His version has been rejected.”
Yusuf Baba, evidence leader in the inquest commented, ”It is now up to the Director of Public Prosecution to pursue the case further.”
Advocate David Maree, defence for the Dube family said, ”It is a good start and a good foundation for the court for cases of this calibre.”
Maree further added, ”The loss of support cannot be determined at this stage. A civil case may be pursued because the child and mother of Phumzile Dube were dependents of hers – it is both devastating and financially wrecking to the family.”
