Families tell the court they lost all their children in the accident, and have unresolved pain and deep emotional scars.
The Pongola truck driver who was convicted ofThe KwaZulu-Natal High Court sitting in Pongola sentenced Sibusiso Siyaya on 20 counts of murder, as well as reckless and negligent driving and failure to perform duties of a driver after an accident.Siyaya was employed as a heavy motor vehicle driver for a company which transported coal from Mpumalanga to the Richards Bay coal terminal in KZN for export.
“En route, Siyaya drove recklessly and often overtook several vehicles over the double barrier centre median and onto the oncoming lane, causing oncoming vehicles to take evasive action to avoid a collision with his vehicle,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.with a motor vehicle carrying 20 passengers. The occupants of the motor vehicle were aged between 5 and 28 years old and were predominantly schoolchildren on their way to school.
Shah also submitted victim impact statements compiled by the family members of the deceased and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng.“All the family members mentioned that their lives have been devastatingly affected following the incident,” Ramkisson-Kara added. “Another woman mentioned that she lost three of her children who were travelling to school on the day of the accident. The family members spoke of unresolved pain and deep emotional scars.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pongola truck accident: Driver found guilty of 20 counts of murderThe truck driver who ploughed into a bakkie ferrying 20 learners in Pongola has been found guilty and will be sentenced on Wednesday.
Read more »
Pongola crash: Truck driver convicted on 20 counts of murderBreaking Stories
Read more »
Pongola truck driver who killed 18 learners sentenced to 20 yearsIn September 2022, truck driver Sibusiso Siyaya ploughed onto a bakkie, ferrying 18 learners on the N2 in Pongola.
Read more »
Sentencing Day: Pongola Tragedy Culprit Faces Justice for 20 Lives LostThe sentencing of the truck driver, found guilty of murder after he crashed into a bakkie, killing 20 people in 2022, was held at the Pongola Magistrate Court.
Read more »
South Africa: 450 Families, One Water Tap in Cape Town Informal SettlementCity promises to inspect
Read more »
Allegations of neglect at Ermelo old age home: Families, SAVF speak outReports of neglect, mismanagement and residents receiving substandard food portions were made against SAVF Huis Ermelo.
Read more »