Driver gets bail after First Lady's close call

WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT

The driver of the minibus that nearly crashed into the convoy of the First Lady, Penehupifo Pohamba, over the weekend was granted bail after making a brief appearance in the Otavi Magistrate's Court yesterday. Leevi Emmanuel Ndara, 33, has been charged with five counts related to reckless and negligent driving. He was released on N$1 000 bail and the case was postponed until September 18 for legal representation. The charges Ndara faces are reckless or negligent driving, inconsiderate driving, failing to stop after an accident, failure to ascertain damages to a vehicle and failure to render assistance to injured persons, if any, after a road accident.
The incident took place about 24km south of Otavi at around 14:30 on Friday. The First Lady's convoy was travelling in the direction of Otavi, while the other vehicle was travelling in the opposite direction.
Police told Namibian Sun that First Lady's two vehicles had to swerve out of the way of the minibus when it moved into their lane. According to Nampol spokesperson, Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi, the government vehicles had to swerve out of the way for the minibus and drove off the road - finally coming to a standstill in the bushes next to the road.
Meanwhile, the police continue to be tight-lipped about the incident - citing a directive given to the Otjozondjupa regional police not to give any information to the media.
While Namibian Sun was informed on Monday by the police that there were no injuries during the accident, Nampa reported yesterday that one of the government vehicles was seriously damaged and that minor injuries were reported to some of the passengers. The police, however, refused to identify the injured passengers and said investigations are underway.