Zahara's accident leaves villagers in darkness

Singer Zahara's Kia Sportage apparently smashed into an electricity pole, plunging the village into darkness.

Residents rushed to see what had happened and were surprised to see Zahara getting out of the badly damaged car but she reportedly disappeared into a gold Mercedes.

Questions remain unanswered as witnesses and Zahara's management disagree about what happened when the car knocked an electricity pole sideways on Phillip Frame Road in Chiselhurst, East London, South Africa.

Sihle Songca, one of the first people on the scene, said she was disappointed with the star's performance at the scene.

"When we called the cops she tried to stop us. She said she had already called them," said Sihle.

"While we were still waiting, the Mercedes arrived and she fled the scene, leaving her sister, brother and another passenger behind."

Witnesses said the singer of Loliwe, who only got her driver's licence last year, was in the driver's seat when they came running. Her two siblings and another passenger were also in the car.

"We were without electricity from the early hours of Friday morning until Saturday afternoon," she said.

She said Zahara's brother sustained minor injuries on his forehead. Another witness, Mzukisi Mpinana, said the pole ripped out the wires of the house, damaging the transformer and the roof of the house.

"The electrician said the damage would cost about R60 000 and we want her to pay for it," he said.

Mzukisi said they spoke to Zahara on Friday and she promised to negotiate with them. "When she failed to pitch up we went to open a case of malicious damage to property," he said.

Cambridge Police Captain Mluleki Mbi confirmed that a case had been opened and that Zahara was involved. He said: "Zahara was apparently a passenger in the car and she has not been charged.

"The car she was travelling in lost control and hit the electricity post. The house owner whose house was damaged by the polecase opened a case of malicious damage to property."

TS Records co-owner TK Nciza confirmed that Zahara was involved in a car accident on Friday but poured cold water on allegations that it took place at 1am or that she had been drinking.

"Zahara was in an accident on Friday at about 5pm or 6pm, the electric pole is nowhere near any houses and was in the opposite direction," said TK.

"It was during the day. I don't understand why people want to damage her reputation. Did they have breathalysers?"

He said Zahara is seeing a doctor and is only slightly injured. "We must all be grateful Zahara is alive," he said.