Former South African president Jacob Zuma narrowly escaped a car accident after a vehicle transporting him was struck by a drunk driver overnight, as confirmed by police on Friday.
The incident occurred shortly after electoral officials barred Zuma from participating in the upcoming general election, adding tension to the political atmosphere ahead of the polls.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the collision involved the former president’s official armored state vehicle and a car driven by a 51-year-old man, who was arrested for drunken driving, as well as reckless and negligent driving. Fortunately, Zuma and his security personnel emerged unscathed from the accident, and the 81-year-old former president was safely taken to his residence.
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Zuma, a prominent figure within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), has faced allegations of corruption and was compelled to resign from office in 2018.
Despite this, he still holds sway in South African politics. Recently, Zuma announced his intention to campaign for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, posing a significant challenge to the ANC.
The ANC has been engaged in legal battles with MK, contesting its name and logo, which the party argues may mislead voters.
Against this backdrop, MK’s spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, suggested that the car collision involving Zuma’s vehicle was not coincidental, hinting at potential foul play.
As political tensions escalate ahead of the elections, with the ANC facing dwindling support due to economic challenges and corruption allegations, Zuma’s car accident has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories on social media.
Despite the incident, Ndhlela conveyed that Zuma remained resolute and was actively engaged in his political endeavors, including attending church services to pray for the well-being of his party.
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