A man was detained following a collision with former President Jacob Zuma‘s official convoy vehicle on the R66, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), on Thursday evening.
Jacob Zuma crash: What we know about the suspect
In a statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed a 51-year-old man’s journey took a drastic turn at approximately 18:40 when his vehicle struck the armoured car transporting Jacob Zuma and his protectors.
Police swiftly responded to the scene, arresting the man on charges of drunken driving and reckless and negligent driving.
The individual involved in the crash is currently held in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, 2 April 2024, at the Eshowe Magistrate Court.
Remarkably, the collision resulted in no physical injuries. Both Jacob Zuma and members of the Presidential Protection Services (PPS) emerged unharmed from the incident.
The former President was promptly evacuated to his residence, ensuring his safety following the unexpected event.
Nhlamulo Ndlela, speaking on behalf of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, suggested the collision was a deliberate act targeting Zuma, prompting calls for an inquiry into the efficiency of Zuma’s security detail and the responsibilities of Police Minister Bheki Cele in this context.
Earlier that day, Jacob Zuma faced a setback when the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) rejected his nomination for the 2024 elections.
The disqualification was due to a 2021 conviction, rendering him ineligible to meet the constitutional criteria for candidates.
Despite the electoral disappointment and the later collision, Zuma was in the process of campaigning for the MK Party when the incident occurred.
