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A TAXI driver, Aobakwe Molapisi, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court after he was found guilty on six counts of culpable homicide.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said on Thursday that the accident took place on the R31 Hotazel road in August 2012.
“The accused was driving passengers from Batlharos village to Kuruman when he encountered a stop-and-go. The State alleged that the accused was not adhering to the proper following distance,” said Senokoatsane.
He stated that the accused had to brake to avoid oncoming traffic to avoid a collision when the vehicle that was driving in front of him applied its emergency brake.
He added that the accused made two warning statements to the police.
“The one statement corresponded with the statements that were taken from the passengers. Thereafter he made another statement alleging that he had a tyre burst.”
Senokoatsane said that a road accident reconstruction expert, Proctor-Parker, was called by the State to testify.
“He indicated that the version of the accused was not supported by the physical evidence, as there were no markings on the road surface to confirm a sudden tyre burst.”
He added that the court believed that the accused made a huge mistake by making two warning statements to the police and then disowning his first statement.
“The court further indicated that even though its purpose was not to serve the revenge of the community, it had a duty to send out a strong message to the communities that there were real consequences for reckless driving. This is especially applicable for taxi drivers, who have an extra burden of keeping their passengers safe.”