Former South Africa’s president Zuma escapes car crash unhurt

Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s former president, has been involved in a road accident in the country.

Zuma and his bodyguards were travelling to campaign for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party when the crash occurred on Thursday evening.

The crash happened on the same day the country’s electoral commission barred Zuma from running as a candidate in the May 29 general election.

News24 reports that Musa Mkhize, MK party head of elections, said the accident smelled of foul play.

“Unfortunately, we have been waiting for it to happen. The president was warned that before the day of the elections, he would be lying in the hospital,” Mkhize was quoted as saying.

“Thanks to the Presidential Protection Unit members who managed to keep the president safe.”

South Africa’s police said they have arrested a 51-year-old man for “drunken driving” as well as on a charge of “reckless and negligent driving”.

“The man’s motor vehicle collided with former President, Mr Jacob Zuma’s official armoured state vehicle,” the police said in a statement.

“At the time of the collision, former President Zuma was in the vehicle with his protectors.

“No one was injured including members of the Presidential Protection Services (PPS). The former President was evacuated and taken to his residence.”

The police added that the suspect has been detained and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.