Durban - MEC for Transport Willies Mchunu says he is disappointed at the bail given to the reed dance bus driver who was arrested for alleged drinking and driving.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mchunu called the bail amount of R1 000 granted to bus driver Mbazimba Thomas Makhav “soft”.
Makhav was charged following a law enforcement operation ordered by Mchunu in the run up to Umkhosi woMhlanga held at King Goodwill Zwelithini’s Enyokeni Palace in Nongoma almost two weeks ago.
He had been driving a bus carrying maidens back to Gauteng when he was nabbed, forcing the bus to turn back.
This comes after a road crash which left 11 maidens and their minders dead, plus scores injured, last year.
Department spokesman, Kwanele Ncalane, said the Road Traffic Inspectorate had confirmed the bus driver was over the legal alcohol limit when caught and did not possess a professional driving permit. He was sent to Benedictine hospital in Nongoma for a further blood test.
Makhav was granted bail at the police station in the area and is expected to appear in court when his blood samples return from the laboratory.
“We will be monitoring very closely the developments of this case, as we advocate for harsher measures, including sentences handed down to traffic law violators,” Mchunu said.
“We urge magistrates to be strict on those who break the rules of the road and put lives of innocent people in danger.”
Department of Arts and Culture spokesman, Lethukuthula Mtshali, said about 60 young women had been transported home in the same bus, with a different driver, after the owner was arrested.
Daily News