Deadly driver’s sentencing postponed

The sentencing of the truck driver who collided with a goods train, killing 24 seasonal farm workers in July 2012, will be handed down on June 20, according to African Eye News Service.

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At his trial in November last year, George Mandlazi (33) admitted he was driving negligently when the truck hit a goods train travelling from Emalahleni to Maputo, Mozambique. He was ferrying 47 seasonal farm workers between Malalane and Hectorspruit in Mpumalanga at the time.

Some 19 workers were killed instantly, five died on their way to hospital, while another 23 were injured.

The state accepted Mandlazi’s plea and withdrew the murder and attempted murder charges against him, leading to Justice Nomsa Khumalo finding him guilty on 24 counts of culpable homicide and one of negligent driving.

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Mandlazi’s R3 000 bail was extended until June 23.