NOTE: Article first appeared on The Citizen website on October 16, 2014.
The driver of the truck that ploughed into close to 50 cars on the N12 on the East Rand on Tuesday, was left in the lurch by his legal representatives at Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon.
Truck driver Isaac Maruding had his first appearance in court on Thursday. State attorney, John Ntuli applied for a postponement of the case to investigate further.
Maruding, facing four counts of culpable homicide and one count of reckless and negligent driving, covered his face throughout proceedings. His representatives, advocate Gerhard Louw and Deon van Staden initially opposed the postponement, wanting to proceed with Maruding’s bail application.
When Magistrate Samuel Hlubi denied the defences application, Louw asked to be withdrawn as his client’s representative. “We don’t have instruction to proceed with this case beyond today,” Louw said.
Maruding has a previous conviction for both culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving, and served time in prison for both, the court heard.
The state asked for more time to properly compile information on those who died in the crash, Ntuli saying “additional charges” may be added in future.
Hlubi postponed the matter until October 22, to give both the state and Maruding the time they need.
Maruding now has to find alternative legal representation after the company appointed lawyers dumped him on Thursday.
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