A 29-year-old man has been charged with culpable homicide following the death of former Newcastle Mayor Dr Nthutuko Mahlaba on Saturday morning (July 4).

Read original articles here:

• Former mayor in critical condition after early-morning accident
• Former mayor Dr Nthutuko Mahlaba dies after tragic accident

Charge upgraded after victim dies

According to Amajuba District SAPS spokesperson Constable Nonjabulo Langa, the suspect was initially charged with reckless and negligent driving.

“The charges were later changed from reckless and negligent driving to culpable homicide after the victim succumbed to his injuries,” she said.

Suspect claims he tried to avoid pedestrian

Langa said the suspect alleged that he was driving along Allen Street when he noticed a pedestrian crossing the road. While attempting to avoid the pedestrian, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle and struck Mahlaba.

Mahlaba sustained an open fracture to his left arm and a head injury. He was unresponsive at the scene and was rushed to hospital, where he later died due to the severity of his injuries.

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