The state is considering bringing charges against more people after a 22-year-old KwaZulu-Natal truck driver ploughed into dozens of vehicles on the M4 eastbound in uMhlanga earlier this month.

This emerged after Sithulile Zulu, who faces charges of reckless and negligent driving and failing to comply with the duties of a driver, made a third appearance in the Durban magistrate’s court on Thursday.

Zulu’s fully-laden truck created carnage on the freeway after it rammed into 47 vehicles in peak-hour traffic on March 6.

State prosecutor Seema Reddy said there is a possibility of more people being charged in connection with the crime. 

The state has objected to Zulu being granted bail based on a report by the investigating officer who said he was likely to evade trial if granted bail, that he wasn’t forthcoming with an address and he could put other peoples lives in danger.

She said the offence had become common in the court’s jurisdiction.

“This matter has ignited public outrage,” said Reddy.

Zulu’s father enlisted a new lawyer, his third legal representative since he was charged. 

Clinton Short who read an affidavit penned by his client, denied the criminal allegations against him.

He said he had no criminal history, would not tamper with the investigation or interfere with state witnesses or complainants as none of the latter were known to him. 

Zulu said while the state maintained he fled the scene after the accident, he notified police telephonically within minutes of the collisions and arrangements were made for him to surrender himself which demonstrated his co-operation. 

Zulu said he raised an amount of R5,000 for bail conditions and was employed Emivox Transport on a contractual basis for R8,000. He said was the father of a three-year old child and his family’s sole breadwinner.

He added the state was in possession of the evidence pertaining to the ownership of the truck involved in the collision, as well as vehicle registration.

The truck had been impounded for investigation.

Short also submitted Zulu’s particulars comprising of his driver's licence, identity documents, the affidavits penned by the mother of his child, together with the toddler’s birth certificate

Court magistrate Ada Van Vuuren adjourned the matter to March 31.

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