Johannesburg - Reinach Tiedt, one of the “Waterkloof four”, would have violated his parole if he was drinking and driving when he was involved in an accident earlier this week, the Democratic Alliance said on Friday.
“It is alleged that earlier this week ‘Waterkloof four' parolee Reinach Tiedt was responsible for a car crash in Pretoria which left a woman and her two children seriously injured,” DA spokesman James Selfe said in a statement.
“Reports suggest that Tiedt may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which would be a clear parole violation and certainly reason to revoke (it).”
Earlier on Friday, Gauteng correctional services commissioner Zacharia Modise confirmed Tiedt was involved in the accident. Department spokesman Manelisi Wolela could not yet say whether he had violated his parole conditions.
The accident took place on Tuesday afternoon at the corner of Rubenstein and Peddie streets in Pretoria, Warrant Officer Dave Miller said. A case of negligent or reckless driving had been opened.
In February, Christoff Becker, Frikkie du Preez, Gert van Schalkwyk and Tiedt were released after being jailed for beating a homeless man to death in Pretoria in 2001.
On February 16, Becker and Du Preez were re-arrested after a cellphone video surfaced of them drinking what appeared to be alcohol and using a cellphone in their cell at Pretoria's Kgosi Mampuru prison.
Van Schalkwyk and Tiedt were out on parole.
Selfe said parole was a privilege and those who violated it should be brought to account.
“We will continue to closely monitor this investigation and do everything possible to ensure that this happens,” he said.
Beeld newspaper quoted a witness as saying that Tiedt lost control of his car and crashed into another vehicle carrying the woman and her two sons. All three were taken to hospital. The woman was in critical condition, while the two boys sustained minor injuries.
Beeld published a picture taken by a witness at the scene, showing cans of alcohol alleged to have fallen out of Tiedt's car. Some of the cans were open and others were sealed.
Miller said nothing in the docket stated that Tiedt was drunk during the accident and urged people not to make assumptions. Tiedt was not arrested.
Wolela said the department was made aware of the accident on Thursday night.
“As per our policy on management of parolees, community corrections officials will investigate the reports, including sourcing information from the SA Police Service and hospitals, and provide a report to the department.”
Depending on the findings, the report may be submitted to the correctional supervision and parole board for consideration and a decision. - Sapa