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A picture of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's official vehicle, which was being driven by her son, after it crashed into a garden wall in Moreleta Park. Photo: Supplied
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s son will receive no special treatment, at least not from his mother, after he crashed her official vehicle in Moreleta Park.
While the details around the accident remain sketchy, it has been reported to police and Madonsela has admitted that her son, Wantu, 23, had an accident.
It emerged on Thursday that Wantu had the accident in the early hours of Wednesday while driving down a cul-de-sac in Moreleta Park.
It is not known why he had taken his mother’s car, or where he had been. He claimed he was going home and had swerved to avoid a dog.
Photographs show his mother’s Black BMW X6 smashed into a garden wall of a house at the end of Lucky Bean Crescent.
Madonsela, through her spokeswoman, Kgalalelo Masibi, was on Thursday quick to point out that Wantu, although a licensed driver, did not have permission to drive his mother’s state-issued car.
“The public protector was not a passenger at the time of the accident. She was asleep at home after returning from an official function in Sandton, Johannesburg, the previous night.
“It emerged that the public protector’s son was the driver at the time of the accident. The driver did not sustain any serious injuries,” she said.
Masibi said Madonsela would submit herself to internal processes regarding the use of state vehicles in line with her terms and conditions of employment. “I have already made contact with the owners of the affected property and agreed to compensate them for the damage,” Madonsela said.
Police spokesman Brigadier Neville Malila said an accident report was filed with the Garsfontein police station.
Asked if Wantu was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, Malila said there was no indication he was. “If he had been he would have been arrested the moment he reported the accident,” said Malila, adding that Wantu had reported the accident himself.
Malila declined to be drawn into commenting on the investigation saying he would not be giving a “blow-by-blow account” of the investigation.
In an interview with Eyewitness News, Wantu said: “I took my mother’s car and her private petrol card. I bumped into one of my friends who needed a lift home.
“On my way back, I avoided a dog on the road, and swerved into a wall.”
The home owner, who asked not to be named, on Thursday told the Pretoria News as far as he was concerned the matter had been resolved amicably.
“I am satisfied with this. It is not the first time that people living in this street have had cars driving into their garden walls. Fortunately no one was hurt,” he said.
A resident from Lucky Bean Crescent, where the accident occurred, said there had been three such accidents in the past two years.
“First it was my next-door neighbour’s wall, then mine and now the homeowner living across the street.
“I applied for speed bumps last year, was told that it was warranted and would happen this financial year, but we have heard nothing,” she said. - Pretoria News
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Carin, wrote
Ms Madonsela, I salute you! We need more transparent politicians like you.
collywolly, wrote
Speed bump - do you want these idiots to ramp through your bedroom lounge window!!! dont be STUPID
Anonymous, wrote
insurance wont pay for admitting to guilt!No insurance company is going to settle this claim,because there was no consent in regards to the kid taking his moms car.
Simone, wrote
THIS is news!? Who gives a toss...
Anonymous, wrote
Boys will be boys and sometimes they go too far. I need to hide my car keys now in case my son decides to do the same. My brother used to wait for my mom to sleep, get the car keys and go partying when we were all asleep until a neighbour noticed the trend and confronted my mum. Wantu, stop being naughty hey, your mom is such a good person. Haai maan Wantu, stouter Wantu
Anonymous, wrote
Wantu make mom's life difficult
Lastword, wrote
Ms Madonsela showed impecable decorum yet again and handled everything quickly and transparently. Her son owes her and the taxpayer an apology.
LukeMan, wrote
Mistakes happen, we admire your honesty Thuli. An example af a leader, how we wish all politicians were as honest as you. To you Wantu, you are grounded!!
Z Mbova, wrote
@ Henry S, you're killing me man! Do you WANTU be a comedian now, LOL!
Desmond, wrote
Why must Ms Madonsela apologise for her son's actions. He is of mature age and must face the music himself. My son took my car when he was 18 and had a valid drivers licence and thank G^d he did not crash my car. So Wantu, be the man your mother taught you to be and accept (as you did) responsibility for your actions and those who are criticing the good Ms Madonsela, you're jealous!
Soulhealer, wrote
Firstly, if there is one person within the ANC who deserves the use of a taxpayer sponsored luxury car, it is Thuli. Secondly, how-much-ever stupid action was taken by Wantu, both he and Mom handled it in a fashion befitting an honest citizen. This is just a classic everyday family development, however one where individuals' integrity can be measured. Thuli, you are a shining example to your party (for which I am afraid I have no respect for) and the citizenry, and personally I am proud of you. You are not a politician. You are a STATESWOMAN. Many will believe that this is so. Hold onto that and your integrity regardless what hurdles come your way. Go with Blessings... www.soulhealer.co.za
The Archer, wrote
Refreshing to hear of an immediate acknowledgement by Wantu's mother of damage to property and offer to settle. This is unheard of amongst state functionaries who drive into walls or drive drunk and then switch to lie mode (if not already in it) to save their skins - remember a certain judge? Well done Thuli! Now, Thuli, make naughty Wantu mow the lawn, clean the pool, and also cut his cellphone allowance until he has paid for the damages himself - even if he doesn't Wantu.
MK, wrote
(Licensed)Son takes Mom's car + without Mom's permission + has an accident = internal family issue. End of story. @Frank Dlamini obviously over 200 years old and was never young and if you want to see what cost us the chair in the AU you have 15 years of proof which have nothing to do with the Public Protector's son. As for the car members of this forum are acting as Madonsela is driving around in their car without their permission. It has become rather petty and pathetic that South Africans have come believe they have the right to spew ignorance everytime they have the opportunity at the expence of the country's leadership. 5 months ago she was hailed as a breath of fresh air and a straight shooter in the stench ripe corridors of government, today after her son reports the incident, they find no trace of alcohol in him, she offers herself for internal investigation and compensates the homeowner and SA still whinges about a 'cover up'. I suggest we take page from her book and focus on doing our jobs to the same levels of integrity so we can also be found deserving of driving the X6 BMW. Let a Mother do the parenting not you!
Anonymous, wrote
l wonder what would have been the reaction if this was the son of a minister? Tax payers are paying a million plus for the Public Protector's car???? Why is there no out cry from the media, DA, Afriforum and the likes? The son should be charged for stealing the car... The Public Protector was sleeping and didn't have any idea the son was driving her state sponsored car, please...give us a break!
Kay, wrote
Why do people have a problem with her driving an X6. Last I check she is an advocate and advocates make money, if she was practicing she would probably be making enough to drive it anyway. In fact it looks like she is sacrificing for the country by choosing to work in the public sector. She deserves to drive an X6 and could be driving it anyway, think before you start complaining people...
MK, wrote
(Licensed)Son takes Mom's car + without Mom's permission + has an accident = internal family issue. End of story. @Frank Dlamini obviously over 200 years old and was never young and if you want to see what cost us the chair in the AU you have 15 years of proof which have nothing to do with the Public Protector's son. As for the car members of this forum are acting as Madonsela is driving around in their car without their permission. It has become rather petty and pathetic that South Africans have come believe they have the right to spew ignorance everytime they have the opportunity at the expence of the country's leadership. 5 months ago she was hailed as a breath of fresh air and a straight shooter in the stench ripe corridors of government, today after her son reports the incident, they find no trace of alcohol in him, she offers herself for internal investigation and compensates the homeowner and SA still whinges about a 'cover up'. I suggest we take page from her book and focus on doing our jobs to the same levels of integrity so we can also be found deserving of driving the X6 BMW. Let a Mother do the parenting not you!
Anonymous, wrote
Why a BMW????
Hangmann, wrote
Hell, some of you guys are nasty & jealous. She's not hiding it, saying it was apartheids fault or uttering other rediculous statements. Show me any kid that hasn't done something wrongdodgydaringstupid and I'll show you one that hasn't been caughthurthumiliated . . . . yet.
The Graduate, wrote
Looks like Madonsela is doing everything above board and none of this behind the scenes shenanigans. If all the politicians could take a leaf from her book. Really quite simple to do the right thing isn't it. By the way, she's a public protector not a state prosecutor.
Lionel, wrote
Going by the photograph only, Wantu must have been driving at quite a speed, when driving straight towards a cul-de-sac, to cause such damage to the wall and especially if it is double brick wall. Me thinks that there was no dog, just excessive speed.
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