News / National
Zimbabwean truck driver arrested after illegal u-turn crash in SA
3 hrs ago |
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A Zimbabwean truck driver has been arrested following a multi-vehicle crash on the N3 Toll Route near Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday morning, after allegedly making an illegal U-turn that triggered the collision.
According to Siboniso Duma, preliminary findings by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) indicate that the crash occurred around 3am and involved a bus and two trucks.
Duma said the accident unfolded after the truck driver allegedly executed an illegal U-turn, leading to a collision with oncoming traffic.
A total of 53 passengers were on board the bus at the time. Authorities confirmed that about 25 people sustained injuries and were transported to Ladysmith Provincial Hospital for treatment, while 29 passengers escaped without injury.
The MEC said the driver was arrested after allegedly admitting to making the illegal manoeuvre.
"When questioned about his illegal U-turn by a firm and no-nonsense RTI Ladysmith team, a Zimbabwean truck driver pleaded for mercy," Duma said.
Authorities have launched a wider investigation involving the South African Police Service, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and the Department of Home Affairs to verify the driver's immigration status and confirm the legality of the vehicle documentation.
Duma said the incident forms part of intensified enforcement operations under the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign, which targets heavy motor vehicles on major routes including the N3 and N2.
He added that more than 25 undocumented foreign national truck drivers have been arrested since the operation began, with several deported after completing sentences while others remain in custody pending legal processes.
Authorities have urged all motorists, particularly heavy vehicle operators, to strictly adhere to road regulations to prevent further fatal accidents on South Africa's major transport corridors.
According to Siboniso Duma, preliminary findings by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) indicate that the crash occurred around 3am and involved a bus and two trucks.
Duma said the accident unfolded after the truck driver allegedly executed an illegal U-turn, leading to a collision with oncoming traffic.
A total of 53 passengers were on board the bus at the time. Authorities confirmed that about 25 people sustained injuries and were transported to Ladysmith Provincial Hospital for treatment, while 29 passengers escaped without injury.
The MEC said the driver was arrested after allegedly admitting to making the illegal manoeuvre.
"When questioned about his illegal U-turn by a firm and no-nonsense RTI Ladysmith team, a Zimbabwean truck driver pleaded for mercy," Duma said.
Authorities have launched a wider investigation involving the South African Police Service, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and the Department of Home Affairs to verify the driver's immigration status and confirm the legality of the vehicle documentation.
Duma said the incident forms part of intensified enforcement operations under the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign, which targets heavy motor vehicles on major routes including the N3 and N2.
He added that more than 25 undocumented foreign national truck drivers have been arrested since the operation began, with several deported after completing sentences while others remain in custody pending legal processes.
Authorities have urged all motorists, particularly heavy vehicle operators, to strictly adhere to road regulations to prevent further fatal accidents on South Africa's major transport corridors.
Source - online
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