Man who crashed into Zuma's car granted bail
The 51-year-old, who appeared briefly before the Eshowe Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning was released on R500 bail.
FILE: Former President Jacob Zuma. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
ESHOWE - The man accused of crashing into a car transporting former president Jacob Zuma has been granted R500 bail.
The 51-year-old appeared briefly before the Eshowe Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.
He faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as reckless and negligent driving.
He smashed into the former president’s official car on Thursday evening while the convoy was headed to his Nkandla homestead.
Zuma was reportedly unhurt.
When the proceedings started, journalists were ordered not to film the accused.
The magistrate added that owing to safety concerns and the controversy around this case - the suspect's identity should not be published.
The accused, meanwhile, while wearing a face mask, looked very relaxed in the dock.
The State indicated that it would not oppose a bail application, citing the fact that it was his first offence and that he was not a flight risk.
As court proceedings continued, singing and chanting could be heard outside the court from Zuma-backed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party supporters.
READ: MK says it suspects 'foul play' in Jacob Zuma car accident
The matter was postponed to 3 May.