[UPDATE] 5 learners killed in R579 crash: driver arrested for drunk driving
The driver is still in hospital under police guard.
LIMPOPO – The 29-year-old driver of the vehicle which was involved in a crash which claimed the lives of five female learners, has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He also faces five counts of culpable homicide, confirmed Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlefela Mojapelo.
Read more: 5 female learners killed after bakkie rolls on R579
The learners from Mashego Secondary School in Monsterlus died when the vehicle they were travelling overturned on the R579 road between Groblersdal and Mpudulle on Tuesday. The vehicle rolled several times and the girls were killed instantly.
Mojapelo added that the driver and his ‘crew’ were the only survivors. The driver sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital where he is still being held under police guard.
He will appear in absentia in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday facing charges of drunken driving and culpable homicide.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba has warned drivers to desist from drinking and driving. “The police will be uncompromisingly determined to deal with drunk drivers during roadblocks and stop and searches,” Ledwaba concluded.
