Jacob Zuma, former South African president, narrowly escaped injury after a car in his convoy was involved in a crash on Thursday night.
Jacob Zuma car crash: Here are the latest updates
Zuma’s day was fraught with highs and lows, starting with the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) rejection of his nomination for the 2024 elections.
The disqualification stemmed from a 2021 conviction that rendered him ineligible under the constitutional criteria for candidates.
Unperturbed, Zuma was travelling from Nkandla to Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal to campaign for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party when his convoy met with an unexpected incident.
Between Gingindlovu and Eshowe, at around 19:00, one of the vehicles in Zuma’s convoy was involved in a crash.
Miraculously, neither Zuma nor his company was harmed in the crash.
The incident has brought the issue of road safety into sharp focus, especially considering another tragic event that unfolded on the same day.
A devastating accident on the R518 near Mokopane, Limpopo, claimed the lives of 45 people as a bus travelling from Botswana to Moria veered off a bridge, resulting in one of the deadliest road incidents South Africa has witnessed, particularly during the Easter long weekend.
In the midst of tragedy, a story of miraculous survival emerged as an eight-year-old child fell from the bus before its fatal descent, escaping the catastrophic event with their life.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga extended her condolences to the families affected by the Limpopo bus crash, reminding citizens to practice responsible driving and remain alert during the busy Easter period.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” Minister Chikunga said.
