Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the death toll from the gas truck explosion on Christmas Eve has risen from 18 to 26, following eight more deaths on Wednesday.
Gauteng health spokesperson Motaletale Modiba confirmed on Thursday morning the death of another healthcare worker, saying the death brought the death toll of healthcare workers at Tambo Memorial Hospital to 10.
The 32-year-old truck driver was released from prison without appearing in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, as was expected on Wednesday.
Lesufi relayed the news after his visit to the families of the victims in the area.
"The police have confirmed we are now standing at 26," Lesufi said.
The driver faced multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligently causing an explosion that resulted in death, and malicious damage to property.
Later, the media learned he had been released. The NPA said due to a lack of evidence against him, they had no choice but to release him from custody.
The accident, which happened on Saturday, has sent shock waves across the country, with President Cyril Ramaphosa urging South Africans to use public amenities, including public roads, cautiously following the explosion. Members of Nehawu who had camped outside the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court reacted with fury after hearing the truck driver had been released from prison without having appeared before the court.
Sibusiso Given Valashiya said there was something sinister in the handling of this debacle.
"For SAPS to really say there is no evidence against the truck driver is not on. We are really disappointed in this matter. The reality is hitting us, and we must say that we are living in South Africa, where such things happen. There has been a lot of cases about SAPS failing to do their jobs, and in this case, unfortunately for us, it is just a failure of doing the right thing from the side of the SAPS," Valashiya said.
The Star