Cops probe traffic-chief smash

2004-12-17 20:28

Nelspruit - Mpumalanga police will thoroughly investigate a possible cover-up of a traffic official's driving accident.

The conduct of police, who allegedly refused to provide a blood-testing kit to Nelspruit Medi-Clinic, would be investigated, said Captain Benjamin Bhembe of Lowveld police.

"We are also investigating how and why no case was opened against Charles Mdhluli. We are investigating negligence on the part of the police."

Mdhluli crashed his Jetta into a tree on Thursday evening.

The head of the Mpumalanga traffic department and a key player in the Arrive Alive campaign, Mdhluli was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

He had to be cut out of his car by paramedics, and was "very aggressive", according to witnesses.

Bhembe said that even if the hospital had done its own blood test, as had been reported in local newspapers, it would not be admissible as evidence against Mdhluli.

"I am afraid it is so. We don't have a case against him if there is no official test. That's why policemen are equipped with blood kits."

Newspapers reported Mdhluli's blood as being four times above the legal limit.

The traffic department knew nothing of this blood test, and provincial director AJ Mahlangu finally said he would investigate the incident.

"There were many people at the accident. Why can't they give us information?" said the frustrated official. "I am not letting this thing go away."

Meanwhile, the hospital also remained reticent, saying it was their duty to protect their patient.

Nursing manager Annetjie Meyer said Mdhluli's family insisted they reveal nothing to the media.

- SAPA