Outside the Roodepoort Regional Court this morning (27 September) it was clear that the parents of Kyle and Keanu de Silver, Maleehah Malick and Liam Ganna are still struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of their children in a road accident just over a year ago.
The accident in which the four teenagers lost their lives occurred at the intersection of Ontdekkers Road and Golf Club Terrace on 25 August 2017. At least two eyewitnesses as well as the driver of the vehicle of which the teenagers were passengers, said the minibus had skipped a red traffic light before smashing into the minivan. It is also alleged that the minibus “reeked of alcohol”.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2017/08/26/breaking-horrific-accident-ontdekkers-road-last-night/
Thabo Madikoane, who faces charges of culpable homicide, is currently out on bail.
During this morning’s proceedings, State Prosecutor Paseka Temeki questioned the doctor – Boitumelo Moshoeshoe – who attended to Madikoane at the Helen Joseph Hospital emergency room, on whether Madikoane verbally expressed himself when she asked him questions in order to determine his mental state. She repeatedly answered that she could not remember Madikoane responding verbally. She also alleged that he smelled of alcohol. The Defence in turn is arguing that Madikoane, who was never tested on scene for intoxication, had a locked jaw and therefore could not verbally respond to the doctor’s questions, ruling out the possibility that she could smell alcohol on his breath.
Proceedings were stopped when the State indicated that the “important witness” that it needed to testify was not present at today’s proceedings. It is believed that the witness is a paramedic who was at the accident scene, and that the witness will also be questioned on whether he could smell alcohol on Madikoane.
The case has been postponed to 6 and 7 December. It is believed Magistrate Delize Smith will pass judgement on these dates.
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