'Blue light' driver charged
2009-07-16 11:31
Pietermaritzburg - The "blue light" VIP escort driver whose passenger allegedly shot out the tyre of a vehicle near Pietermaritzburg was on Thursday charged with six attempted murders.
His passenger, Saps Constable Hlanganani Nxumalo, 29, allegedly caused an accident in which six people were injured on November 15.
Nxumalo allegedly shot a Mazda's tyre, causing the vehicle to swerve across the N3 highway and collide with an oncoming vehicle.
The driver, Saps Constable Caiphas Xolani Ndlela, 36, appeared with Nxumalo in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Thursday.
Ndlela was also charged with reckless and negligent driving.
Regional magistrate Chris van Vuuren adjourned the case to August 28 to allow the accused's lawyer to obtain statements made by State witnesses.
The lawyer told Sapa that Ndlela is charged with the attempted murders because he put Nxumalo in a position to shoot at the vehicle.
Soon after the incident, a witness said the vehicle was shot at because its driver was not able to move out of the way of the police car.
When the driver was able to move into the left lane the escort car drew level with it and Nxumalo allegedly fired two shots puncturing a tyre and causing the vehicle to swerve across and collide with an approaching vehicle.
Six people were injured in the collision and taken to hospital.
Nxumalo was on bail but Ndlela was released on his own recognisance.
- SAPA