Zuma Survives Car Crash, Amid Election Tensions

Jacob Zuma’s vehicle involved in collision with drunk driver’s car
Incident occurred after Zuma was disqualified from upcoming elections
Zuma’s party alleges foul play, citing lack of security upgrades for his vehicle

Eko Hot Blog reports that South Africa’s former president, Jacob Zuma, was involved in a car accident overnight, according to police authorities.

The accident occurred when a drunk driver collided with the vehicle transporting Zuma, shortly after electoral authorities disqualified him from participating in the upcoming general election on May 29, escalating tensions in the lead-up to the polls.

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According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the driver’s car crashed into the official armoured state vehicle of former president Jacob Zuma. The 51-year-old driver was apprehended in KwaZulu Natal province for driving under the influence, as well as for reckless and negligent driving.

SAPS confirmed that Zuma and his security personnel emerged unharmed from the accident, and the 81-year-old was safely escorted to his residence.

Despite facing corruption allegations that led to his removal from office in 2018, Zuma remains a prominent figure within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and recently declared his support for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.

Zuma’s Car Accident Not A Coincidence

However, there are speculations by the MK that the car accident involving Zuma was not a coincidence. MK’s spokesman, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, asserted that the car collision was not coincidental.

“The police minister who is responsible for the former president’s protection unit has not upgraded his vehicle for eight years and he is the same person that has previously uttered messages around burying Zuma,” Ndhlela reportedly told AFP. “There is underhand at play here,” he said, alleging that Zuma’s car was specifically targeted in the motorcade.

When asked how Zuma was, Ndhlela told journalists “He is in high spirits as always and was in laughter this morning about the accident. But it does not mean he took it lightly (or that) he is not aware of what’s happening.”