Former South African President Jacob Zuma was reportedly in a car accident overnight, with a drunk driver colliding with the vehicle transporting him. South African police confirmed the incident, which occurred shortly after Zuma was disqualified from the upcoming general election, adding to pre-election tensions.
The collision involved the driver’s car crashing into Zuma’s official armored state vehicle. The driver, aged 51, was arrested in KwaZulu Natal province for driving under the influence, as well as for reckless and negligent driving. Fortunately, Zuma and his security personnel emerged unharmed, and the 81-year-old was safely escorted to his residence.
Despite facing corruption allegations that led to his removal from office in 2018, Zuma remains influential within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and recently expressed support for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, signaling a significant political shift.
Speculations by the MK suggest that the accident involving Zuma was not a coincidence. The party’s spokesman alleged that the collision was a deliberate act, possibly targeting Zuma’s vehicle in the motorcade.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in the lead-up to the elections, as the ANC faces challenges due to economic issues and allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Social media is rife with conspiracy theories following Zuma’s accident, just two months before the election.
The driver of the other vehicle is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Despite the incident, Zuma remains in high spirits and was seen laughing about the accident, according to MK’s spokesman, who added that Zuma is in church praying for the ANC.