A file photo of NMB Mayor Nqaba Bhanga
Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, has spoken for the first time about the late-night accident which claimed the lives of two people.
He issued his statement via a 5-minute video, thanking everyone, including residents, who has shown support for him during his post-accident recovery.
Bhanga said he provided a statement to the police on Wednesday in which he explained why he was out of his house during the curfew.
He said he “had to respond to a serious medical condition” but provided no further details.
“And, as you know this is a legal matter and I’ve appointed a legal representative. This should not be viewed as a form of accepting guilt,” he said.
Bhanga said it was a legal process and that anybody who was involved “in an accident like this has a responsibility to the Constitution to appoint a legal representative in order to protect my rights in this regard.”
He said the matter is now under investigation and said he hoped it would be concluded speedily.
Bhanga admitted that the road ahead would be a difficult one for him but said, “it is a journey I will take one step at a time.
“It is time for me to reflect on this accident and reflect on what is going to happen going forward. My duty is to lift up my head and do what I’m supposed to do,” he said.
The accident occurred on the evening of 28 August, on Bhanga's 44th birthday, on the R75 at the corner of St Leonards Drive and Uitenhage Road at 11.30 pm.
The two deceased were identified as 39-year-old Sandile Sicolo and a 44-year-old, Nonzwakazi Maho.
