Naval Island suicide bid driver convicted
Father who drove himself and baby daughter into the water at the Small Craft Harbour, convicted of attempted murder
A FATHER who nose-dived his vehicle into the water off Naval Island’s quay wall with his baby daughter trapped inside, was convicted of attempted murder in the Empangeni Regional Court.
Nkosinathi Ntanzi (38) was arrested on 5 November 2013, after plunging his VW Passat into the water, with himself and his 10-month-old child inside.
His girlfriend and mother of the baby, witnessed Ntanzi speeding the car off the commercial slipway’s edge, following a heated domestic dispute.
However, as the vehicle started to sink into the four metre deep water, Ntanzi saved the baby from the underwater wreckage and brought her out unharmed.
The mother and infant were treated at the Netcare The Bay Hospital for shock and trauma.
SAP divers and crane truck operators winched out the capsized car, lodged at the bottom of the seabed.
Ntanzi underwent psychological evaluation by order of the court, when the District Court Magistrate questioned his state of mind, motivation and possible future suicide attempts.
He subsequently raised non pathological criminal incapacity as a defence.
Senior Prosecutor Sharon Bux, however argued for his conviction, and the State’s argument was upheld.
Regional Court Magistrate, Amon Ntshangase, rejected Ntanzi’s defence.
The case was remanded until 22 February for a pre-sentencing report to be prepared.
Ntanzi no longer has any contact with the child.
