‘Burry’ driver back in court
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
NJABULO Nyawose (25), the taxi driver involved in the January 3 accident in which South Coast Olympic cycling star Burry Stander died, appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Nyawose faces charges of culpable homicide or alternative charges of reckless or negligent driving or inconsiderate driving and with failing to obey a traffic sign. He has pleaded not guilty.
According to a report by Bernadette Wolhuter in the Mercury newspaper, state witness Mbongeni Musa testified that Nyawose had crossed a solid barrier line while turning from Marine Drive into Stott Street in Shelly Beach on the day in question. Musa is a traffic officer and was the first witness called by public prosecutor Christelle Rossouw.
The Mercury goes on to report that Musa responded to the accident scene and quickly identified Nyawose as the driver of the taxi involved. “He was crying. He had blood on his chest and neck,” testified Musa.
Musa told the court that that section of Marine Drive is separated into a north bound and a south bound lane by two barrier lines, one solid and one broken. The solid barrier applied to those travelling south and it was illegal to cross this line.
During cross examination however it was established by defence attorney Xolile Ntshulana that there was no road sign in place prohibiting turning. An inspection of the scene is expected to take place today. The trial continues.
