A 51-year-old man has been arrested on charges of drunk, reckless, and negligent driving after crashing into former President Jacob Zuma's official armored state vehicle on Thursday night. The incident occurred on the R66 between Gingindlovu and Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal around 18:40.
Fortunately, neither Zuma nor his protectors sustained any injuries in the collision. The former president was promptly evacuated to his residence, and the suspect was apprehended. He is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
Sources close to the incident revealed that Zuma emerged unscathed, leading to suspicions of deliberate intent behind the crash. One insider suggested that the accident may have been orchestrated, stating, "I would say that people are up to their old tricks." The incident took place as the presidential convoy was traveling from Durban to the Nkandla homestead.
Images of the damaged vehicle showed the driver's side of the BMW SUV impacted, with significant damage to the front tire and visible scratches on the front and rear doors.
Another source claimed that a drunk driver lost control and collided with the convoy, but it was not believed to be intentional. The cars involved sustained damage, but no harm was done to anyone involved.
"The cars were damaged… everyone was not harmed. The accident happened when the convoy was almost in Eshowe," they said.
"The guy was speeding around the bends and was shocked to see the presidential convoy and drove directly into the convoy. He was so drunk that he could not stand up straight. I do not think that it was deliberate.
"Ubaba was taken by another vehicle, and some remained behind."
The MK Party head of elections, Musa Mkhize, expressed concerns about the incident, suspecting foul play and citing political interference in Zuma's safety. Mkhize asserted that a case had been opened with the police and raised questions about the reduction in Zuma's security since he announced his support for the MK Party.
President Cyril Ramaphosa commented on the accident, describing it as "unfortunate" and assuring that no harm came to Zuma. He stated that the matter is under investigation.
Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, shared that her father is in high spirits and attending church in Nkandla after the incident.
