Shakashead taxi driver turns himself in

A man has handed himself over to police in connection with the Shakashead accident that claimed the lives of two Lifestyle Superspar employees last week (Shakashead train disaster claims two lives, Courier, November 29).

Denzil Chetty and Paul Ramsamy died and 16 others were seriously injured when the taxi taking them home plunged down the N2 Chaka’s Rock embankment and landed across the railway tracks, where it was hit by a train.

The taxi left Ballito around 8.30pm and after the driver apparently failed to stop at the Chaka’s Rock off-ramp when he lost control of the taxi.

The driver, who allegedly ran away from the accident scene, turned himself in at Umhlali SAPS on Friday.

Umhlali SAPS media liaison officer captain Percy Buthelezi said the man, who cannot be named, is innocent until proven guilty.

“As this was a vehicle accident the driver is not in police custody, he is just accused. He is currently awaiting trial, where he will give his account of that night’s events.”