Case after accused allegedly assaults cameraman

Amukelani Rikhotso, 29, who faces three charges of culpable homicide and one of reckless and negligent driving, after the accident that claimed the lives of then Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane and his two protectors Lesiba Samuel Sekele and Marene Lawrence Lentsoane, might now also face another case of common assault after he allegedly assaulted SABC cameraman Llewellyn Carstens following his court appearance on Tuesday. Carstens filmed Rikhotso as he was leaving the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.Rikhotso apparently then turned towards Carstens and hit the camera mounted on Carstens’ shoulder. The blow caused injuries to Carsten’s head and face. Rikhotso fled the scene by running down Landdros Maré Street.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Ronel Otto confirmed that a case of common assault was opened at the Polokwane Police Station. “The case will be investigated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision,” Otto said.
Rikhotso will have to appear in court again on 25 September for a final decision by the DPP.
He was released on R5 000 bail soon after his arrest in March.

Story: RC Myburgh
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