Sol official could be held liable for crash damages

A SOL Plaatje municipal worker could be held personally liable for the damages caused to a work vehicle after he allegedly crashed into a car near Lerato Park on October 29.

The affected motorist said that damages amounting to R6,500 were caused to his Audi A4.

“The driver is employed at the waterworks section and was driving a branded municipal vehicle. He appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time and was not in possession of his driver’s licence,” said the motorist.

He added that he had opened an accident report at the police station and signed an agreement that the municipal employee would pay for his damages within 48 hours.

“By Monday he still had not paid me a cent and I was preparing to lay a criminal charge.”

He stated that the employee paid a portion of the damages on Tuesday, November 1, and promised to pay the balance by November 25.

Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet said they would launch an internal investigation into the matter.

“The work vehicle was also damaged and if negligence can be proved, the employee may be held liable to pay for the damages. The employee was on duty at the time of the alleged incident,” said Riet.

She added that the motorist and employee had reached a mutual agreement regarding compensation for the damages to the private motor vehicle.

Riet stated that no blood samples were taken to prove that the employee was under the influence of alcohol.