Train driver in court
2006-08-03
THE driver of a passenger train in which ten people were killed during a collision in Muldersvlei three years ago, has appeared in the Paarl Regional Court during the past week.
Mervyn Matthee of Wellington has pleaded not guilty to all ten charges of culpable homicide against him.
The accident occurred on 7 January 2003 when the Metrorail passenger train which Matthee was driving, hit the back of a Spoornet freight train.
After a Metrorail disciplinary hearing in 2003, it was ruled that Matthee should be held accountable for the accident.
It is alleged that Matthee negligently failed to stop at three red light signals, before ploughing into the freight train.
The court heard last week that at the time of the accident, Matthee was still in mourning after the death of his wife.
He had been on sick leave shortly before the accident and was receiving psychological treatment.
Adv John van der Berg is appearing on behalf of Matthee. Enslin Orange prosecutes.
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