A little over a year ago, 19-year-old Diamantino Cornelius Carvalho Thomas (Tino), was on his way home on his motorcycle from the 24-hour quick shop at Task Nissan in Barberton when the driver of a Toyota Auris crashed into him from behind, writes Barberton Times editor Anchen Coetzee.
The driver, Duan Geldenhuys who is believed to be from Krugersdorp, allegedly crashed into Thomas with such force that the impact hurled him approximately 80 metres from the point of impact, resulting in his death.
Blood-alcohol tests were done and these disclosed that Thomas had no alcohol in his bloodstream, while Geldenhuys’ levels were way over the limit.
Geldenhuys was charged with reckless and negligent driving, driving while under the influence and culpable homicide.
On Monday 21 January this year, Geldenhuys pleaded guilty to the charges in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court.
In Geldenhuys’ statement he said he bitterly regretted what had happened and he realised that he had caused great pain to Thomas’ loved ones and begged the family for forgiveness.
After taking everything into consideration, Magistrate Roelf Smith ruled that the case would continue on 7 March.
Father of the deceased, Gordon Thomas, said he was outraged.
“Most of what was said were blatant lies. Among other things, why has the prosecutor, who was supposed to act in my best interest, not handed in the reports on Duan’s aggressive behaviour in the past, of which there are quite a few examples?”
Barberton Times has in its possession signed affidavits by people who had testified to places, times and occasions during which Geldenhuys was seen behaving aggressively.
“What has the world come to if the legal system can be manipulated in such a way that a drunken, aggressive person responsible for the death of a 19-year-old who had his whole life ahead of him, gets off with a slap on the wrist? I will not rest until justice is done,” ended Thomas.
