The man accused of ramming into former President Jacob Zuma’s convoy over the weekend has been granted bail. He appeared in the Eshowe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he was granted R500 bail. The charges against him include driving under the influence and reckless and negligent driving.
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, stated that the accused is expected to appear in court again on May 3, as investigations into the incident continue.
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The arrest of a 51-year-old suspect was confirmed by National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. The collision occurred on the R66 on Thursday evening when the suspect’s vehicle collided with Zuma’s official armoured state vehicle.
Mathe clarified that at the time of the collision, former President Zuma was in the vehicle with his protectors. Fortunately, no one, including members of the Presidential Protection Services, was injured. Zuma was safely evacuated and taken to his residence.
Following the accused’s bail application, Jabulani Khumalo, the founder of Umkhonto Wesizwe, expressed his disapproval of the bail decision. Khumalo addressed the media, stating that the lack of action from the police and Police Minister Bheki Cele indicates a disregard for Zuma’s safety.
The MK Party, of which Khumalo is a member, criticized the police for their handling of the crash, describing it as a deliberate attempt on Zuma’s life. The party called for Cele to take immediate action.
In response to the party’s concerns, the Police Ministry dismissed their questions about Zuma’s security as “reckless and out of order.”
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Ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba stated that after a thorough briefing from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Cele was satisfied with the current security measures in place for Zuma. The ministry emphasized that they would not disclose any security details regarding current or former heads of state.
As the investigations unfold and the accused awaits his next court appearance, the incident continues to draw attention and raise questions about the safety and security of former President Jacob Zuma.
