The driver of the truck which allegedly caused a multi-vehicle pile-up and killed four people on the N12 East near Alberton in Gauteng has now been arrested, police said on Wednesday.

"He is facing charges of culpable homicide and will appear at Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court tomorrow [Thursday]," said Captain Doniah Mothutsane.

Earlier police denied a claim in a statement from Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Tuesday that he had been arrested after the accident.

Mothutsane said the driver was arrested on Wednesday.

She said the police investigation was continuing and statements were being taken from witnesses.

On Tuesday, four people were killed when a truck smashed into almost 50 cars in early morning traffic.

At least 16 other people were injured.

The driver allegedly claimed his brakes had failed, causing him to plough into the cars.

Earlier Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi added his voice to those calling for the truck's owners to be brought to book if this was found to be true.

"In my personal opinion, there should be dual accountability," Vadi said.

This was perhaps one of the worst accidents the province had seen, he said.

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