KZN MEC outraged as alleged drunk driver walks free after N3 crash chaos
MEC Siboniso Duma has slammed the release of a driver accused of reckless and drunk driving, with more charges allegedly ignored.
The shock release of an alleged drunk driver – who reportedly wreaked havoc on the N3 near Pietermaritzburg, leaving smashed vehicles in his wake and allegedly assaulting a traffic officer – has left KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma furious and demanding answers.
According to The Witness, the man was cornered in Hilton on Friday night after colliding with a vehicle while allegedly fleeing arrest.
He is accused of assaulting a Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officer and ploughing into several vehicles, including two state-owned RTI patrol cars.
He was taken to Pietermaritzburg Central Police Station, but by Sunday morning he was out on bail without appearing in court.
MEC reacts
“We are absolutely flabbergasted,” said Duma, adding that he would escalate the matter to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, the KZN premier and provincial police commissioner.
“This individual was facing multiple charges – drunk driving, assault, reckless driving and fleeing the scene. Yet we are told he was released with a court date only next March? That is not justice. It is a slap in the face to every law-abiding motorist and officer on our roads.”
Duma said the department would also raise the matter with Parliament’s portfolio committee on transport, stressing the damage to public trust in the justice system.
Charged only with driving offences
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the 41-year-old suspect was charged with drunk and reckless driving, and not with assault or malicious damage.
KZN violence monitor Mary de Haas called the release ‘disgraceful’ and said whoever authorised it must be investigated.
“This was worse than irresponsible. The man’s actions endangered lives and could have killed someone. He should have been held in custody until a formal court hearing. The station commander must take accountability,” said De Haas.
Traffic officers who went to check on the suspect at the station on Sunday were stunned to learn he had already been released. No proper explanation was given.
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Read original story on witness.co.za
