Bus-scuffle accused out on bail
There were 25 occupants in the bus when the accident occurred at about 06:30 on the R40 between Barberton and Mbombela. Zulu allegedly grabbed the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control.
MBOMBELA – A passenger allegedly involved in a scuffle that led to a bus crash last Monday, briefly appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court the following day.
Ms Meisie Zulu (40) was released on R500 bail and will reappear in court on March 7. She faces charges of reckless and negligent driving as well as assault. According to spokesman for local police, Capt Dawie Pretorius, the case was postponed to allow for further investigation.
“We are investigating whether we can establish other charges regarding the suspect, she might face more than what she already is,” said Pretorius.
There were 25 occupants in the bus when the accident occurred at about 06:30 on the R40 between Barberton and Mbombela. Zulu allegedly grabbed the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control.
The bus veered off the road before the driver crashed into a tree. According to reports, the driver was distracted by Zulu who apparently realised that the bus had not stopped where it was supposed to. She allegedly assaulted him.
Medical officials had to rush passengers to Rob Ferreira Hospital and Mediclinic Nelspruit. Seven people were injured. The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, warned public-transport users not to distract drivers while they were operating vehicles.
“Imagine how many innocent people could have died just because of a misunderstanding which could have been sorted out without fighting,” he said.
Shongwe encouraged public-transport owners to visibly number their vehicles. A passengers can then identify a specific vehicle should he or she lodge a complaint against a driver.
