Truck driver sentenced for deadly 2017 Machadodorp crash
A truck driver responsible for the 2017 crash that claimed the lives of 18 people outside Machadodorp in Mpumalanga has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
However, he will only serve three years behind bars as five years of his sentence is suspended for four years.
The Middelburg Regional Court sentenced Sebastian Macaucau on Monday.
The crash occurred in 2017 when the truck collided head-on with two minibus vehicles on the R541 outside Machadodorp.
The driver of the truck crossed the centreline and crashed into the two minibus vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.
Eighteen people were killed and 10 others seriously injured.
Macuacau sustained no injuries and was arrested on the scene and charged with culpable homicide.
Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane says the sentence is not harsh enough.
“The RTMC would have liked to see a much harsher sentence considering the number of people who died and were injured in the crash. It, however, welcomes the fact that the negligent driver would be spending time behind bars for failing to adhere to the rules of the road.
This will send a message to other reckless drivers that they could spend time in prison for inconsiderate and negligent behaviour on the roads,” says Zwane.
Meanwhile, Zwane says an investigation is underway into the truck driver that was recorded on video recklessly overtaking and speeding on a mountain pass in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The truck operator has been identified and investigators will be interviewing him to ascertain facts around the incident. More information will be shared once the investigation has been completed.”
ALSO READ
