POLOKWANE – The driver of a vehicle that claimed the lives of five (05) learners on Tuesday 05 November 2019, along the R574 road between Groblersdal and Mpudulle, has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He will also face five counts of culpable homicide.

The five learners from Mashego Secondary School in Monsterlus died when the vehicle they hitchhiked, rolled several times next to the bridge.

The driver (suspect) and his crew were the only survivors of the crash. The 29-year-old suspect is currently under police guard in hospital and will appear in absentia in the Nebo magistrate’s court tomorrow on Thursday, 07 November 2019, facing charges of drunken driving and culpable homicide.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has strongly warned drivers to desist from drinking and driving as the police will be uncompromisingly determined to deal with drunk drivers during roadblocks and stop and searches.

Police investigations are continuing.

Source: South African Police Service