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Final appearance for epileptic driver |
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Written by Given Mahlalela
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Wednesday, 12 September 2007 |
 SCHOEMANSDAL - An alleged epileptic driver who drove into six bystanders appeared at Boschfontein Periodical Court last Thursday facing six counts of culpable homicide. Trial for these cases is set to be held on November 1 where the suspect will present his side of the story. It is said that the man killed six bystanders when he lost control of his Brown Hyundai during an epileptic attack.
Police said they received photos of the deceased from the postmortem, which will help them during the trial. “This is going to be his toughest day in court. If found guilty he will share limited space with other prisoners,” said Head of Detectives at Schoemansdal Police, Captain Mogale Pilusa. Pilusa went on to indicate that the man has confessed to police for being suffering from epilepsy. The accident sent shockwaves to the Schoemansdal village. In his 30’s, the suspect, Lifa Mkhabela, has showed no remorse on his charges, as he appeared to be calm before the Magistrate, Edgar Moletsane. He smiled to the gallery which was packed with members of his family ad those of hid victims. Mkhabela was arrested on the same day of the accident and released on a warning pending investigation. The man’s release sparked a sense of consternation among members of the deceased’s families. They wanted to know why the man was released from police custody. There was more drama when the suspect was seen allegedly driving his mother’s car. Members of the community feared for their safety. “We will be happy if the gets a harsh sentence for killing our innocent children. He deliberately got into that car despite his condition,” said one of the deceased’s family members, Sibongile Nhleko. |
