Mandeni accident victim cries foul after collision with iLembe mayor’s official car
Mayor Thobani Shandu accused of not taking responsibility for the accident.
Political parties are calling for an investigation after a 51-year-old Mandeni resident’s life was brought to a standstill by severe injuries when his bakkie was involved in a collision with iLembe District mayor Thobani Shandu’s official vehicle in December.
Describing the incident, David Mdletshe said he was driving on the P415 close to the N2 on-ramp at Mandeni.
“A black BMW approached at high speed in the middle of the road. I did not know which side to move to and simply stopped dead in my tracks. The BMW smashed into my car and came to a stop metres away from the crash scene,” said Mdletshe, who was rushed to hospital with two broken legs.
At the time he did not know who the car belonged to.
His passengers, a nephew and a female employee, escaped with minor injuries.
He said he was told five days later that the BMW was the mayor’s car.
“While in hospital, the family of the mayor visited my family to talk about the accident. They left R2 000 for my nephew’s medical needs and transportation for a family member to see me at the hospital. They promised to visit me in hospital, but never did,” said Mdletshe.
After being discharged he went to the police to report the accident and was shocked to read an earlier accident report blaming him for the accident.
“Now I don’t know what to do. My family and I depend on my bakkie to run my three tuck shops, one in Mangethe and two in Durban. All I wish for is for the mayor to fix my car so that I can continue with my life.”
Mdletshe is likely to be wheelchair bound for the next five to six months.
iLembe district municipal manager, Sazi Mbhele, confirmed the mayor’s official vehicle was involved in a collision in December.
He said police arrived on the scene, took statements and the vehicle remained on the scene until the police finished their work.
“The mayor’s vehicle was removed from the scene by a municipal service provider as it was not in a condition to be driven.”
He said social media speculation that it was a hit-and-run incident was therefore misplaced.
The municipal driver submitted an affidavit to the police as required and completed a municipal accident report.”
“The mayor and driver did not see the statement or affidavit of the other driver or passengers and cannot comment on social media allegations suggesting the statement(s) of occupants of the other vehicle may have been distorted,” said Mbhele.
He said in the spirit of ubuntu, the mayor visited Mdletshe’s homestead after the collision to check on the occupants of the other vehicle.
“This visit took place on or around December 31 and the mayor was accompanied by his uncle. This is common practice and had nothing to do with admission of guilt. He had a responsibility and moral duty to make the visit.”
He confirmed the mayor left R2 000, but said it was because one of the passengers indicated he needed to visit the doctor and a relative had to make regular visits to Mdletshe in hospital.
“The mayor gave them R1 000 each as assistance to cover the consultation and travelling costs. This contribution had nothing to do with fixing Mdletshe’s car and it should not be interpreted as compensation either.”
DA iLembe caucus leader, councillor Krsna Sing, said Shandu must take full responsibility for the incident.
“The DA is aware that the council hired vehicles and were involved in accidents. No reports were tabled in council. Although vehicles are insured, in many cases investigation might conclude reckless driving and there should be consequence management. No cover-up,” said Sing.
African National Congress regional spokesperson Thandeka Mkhize said they sympathise with Mdletshe, but would wait for the municipality to conclude its own investigation.
ALSO READ
- #Letter: Balanced response to mosque issue essential
- Armed Forces Day and tri-nation naval exercise behind heavy military traffic
- Online car licence renewal the way to go
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
