Durban - The driver of the “death bakkie” that crashed into a house killing seven children and injuring several others in Pietermaritzburg last month, has been discharged from hospital, but has allegedly fled to Durban in fear.
heLungi Mthimkhulu, 33, who herself suffered serious injuries in the accident and was in the ICU of Greys Hospital for five days, was allegedly discharged on February 5.
However, police confirmed she had not yet been arrested or charged in connection with the accident.
“A case of culpable homicide is currently being investigated,” the police’s Major Thulani Zwane said.
Spokesman for KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Willies Mchunu, Kwanele Ncalane, said an investigation into the accident was continuing to determine if the brakes in the bakkie had failed.
“Experts are still inspecting the vehicle and we are awaiting a report,” he said.
Mthimkhulu was a well-known transporter of Fezokuhle Primary School pupils for more than five years.
Some parents of the victims who spoke to the Daily News on Sunday said they were surprised and disappointed that she had not come to apologise for her actions.
Sibongiseni Dladla, the father of critically injured Wandile Dladla, 12, who suffered multiple fractures and internal bleeding in the accident, resulting in the removal of one of her kidneys, said he understood that accidents sometimes happened, but he had expected Mthimkhulu to show her remorse for what happened.
“It is only right that she comes to apologise to us. We entrusted our children with her and trusted her to bring them home safely. The least she could have done was call us or come to us to tell us what happened,” an angry Dladla said.
Thabisile Shezi, whose daughter, 10-year-old Yolanda Shezi, was killed, said she had not heard that Mthimkhulu had been discharged.
“We have not heard anything from the police or the transport department on what is happening with the investigation. We are still in pain and trying to live each day without my daughter. It is very hard. I am angry that the driver can just continue to live her life when it is her actions that caused the death of my child,” Shezi said.
Mthimkhulu’s sister, Zanele Mthimkhulu, said her sister had fled to Durban after learning that there were still simmering tensions in the community, and anger towards her because of the accident.
“We know people are angry and upset because these were children who died,” she said.
Zanele would not reveal whether Mthimkhulu had received any direct threats, but said they were being cautious.
When asked where Mthimkhulu was, Zanele said the family was not at liberty to divulge this information for her own safety.
Her mother, Mariah, said in a separate interview that her daughter was in a Durban hospital, but said “we will not divulge where she is right now.”
Daily News