Mariannhill crash truck driver makes first court appearance
The driver who was allegedly behind the wheel of a runaway truck that caused Tuesday's fatal crash on the N3 at Mariannhill has made his first court appearance.
There was a lengthy wait before the softly spoken 42-year-old Vuso Tega entered the courtroom on Wednesday at the Pinetown Magistrate's Court.
His first appearance was delayed as it's understand he first had to be taken to Home Affairs for a verification process.
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After he entered court Tega, who wore blue overall trousers and a brown hoodie, kept his hands in front of him at all times.
Vuso Tega makes his way onto the courtroom where he is to face a number of charges in yesterday’s N3 crash where his truck ploughed through several cars near the Marianhill Toll Plaza. @SteveBhengu pic.twitter.com/keOGP6iM3d
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) November 2, 2022
He was asked to state his name and his preferred language, to which he replied that he was comfortable with English.
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Shortly after Magistrate Wendalynn Robinson proceeded to read charges brought against him. Tega is facing two counts of culpable homicide and alternative charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Magistrate Wendalynn Robinson reads out charges brought against Tega ie Culpable Homicide and alternative charges of reckless and negligent driving following yesterday’s crash near the Marianhill Toll Plaza on the N3.@SteveBhengu pic.twitter.com/TLuZ7v8MsE
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) November 2, 2022
The State told the court it needed more time to verify some things, including Tega's address, before bail proceedings could go ahead.
All parties then agreed that the matter would return to court on Friday for bail.
Tega is expected to remain in custody.
Magistrate Robinson explains that Tega is to return before the court on Friday as the state still needs time to verify other things including his address. This will be when his bail application proceeds. @SteveBhengu pic.twitter.com/WiV6wKsjSz
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) November 2, 2022
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