Mandela accident accused freed

07 November 2012 - 12:01 By Sapa
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Zenani Mandela. File photo.
Zenani Mandela. File photo.
Image: Peter Morey

Sizwe Mankazana, the driver in a 2010 crash that killed former president Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter, Zenani, was acquitted yesterday.

Mankazana, 25, was found not guilty on all counts after the conclusion of the state's case, his lawyer, Hulme Scholes, said.

Scholes said the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court concluded that there was no reasonable prospect of convicting Mankazana on the state's evidence.

Mankazana faced charges of culpable homicide, driving under the influence of liquor, and reckless or negligent driving.

He was driving Zenani Mandela, 13, home after the 2010 World Cup concert at Orlando stadium.

Their Mercedes-Benz hit a steel barrier, part of which penetrated the car, killing Zenani.

Scholes said the magistrate described the crash as a "freak accident". He said the state had failed to identify that mechanical failure in the car was the likely cause of the accident.

Mankazana said: "I'm thankful that the trial has come to an end. Most of all, I am thankful that everyone who loved Zeni now knows the true circumstances surrounding her death.

"I hope the truth will help us all to heal, but I fear that the pain will remain with us forever."

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