Former South African president Zuma, survives car accident
South Africa's former president, Jacob Zuma, survived a car accident overnight when a vehicle transporting him was struck by a drunk driver, police confirmed on Friday.
The incident occurred shortly after electoral officials disqualified Zuma from running in the upcoming May 29 general election, adding to tensions in the lead-up to the polls.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that the driver's vehicle collided with Mr. Jacob Zuma's official armored state vehicle.
The 51-year-old driver was arrested in KwaZulu Natal province on charges of drunken driving and reckless and negligent driving, according to SAPS.
Zuma and his security detail emerged unharmed, and the 81-year-old was safely escorted to his residence.
A former stalwart of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Zuma was compelled to resign from office in 2018 amid a slew of corruption allegations, yet he remains influential in political circles.
In December, he declared his intention to campaign for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, signaling a significant setback for the ANC as he seeks to revive his political career.
The ANC filed a fresh court application against MK on Wednesday, following an unsuccessful attempt to disqualify it previously.
The ANC argues that MK's name and logo bear resemblance to those of the disbanded apartheid-era military wing of the ANC, once headed by Nelson Mandela, which could potentially mislead or confuse voters.
Amidst conspiracy theories, MK's spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, claimed that the car collision was not merely a coincidence.
The police minister, responsible for the former president's protection unit, has not upgraded his vehicle in eight years, and he is the same individual who has previously made remarks about 'burying' Zuma," Ndhlela informed AFP.
"There's something fishy going on here," he asserted, suggesting that Zuma's vehicle was deliberately targeted within the motorcade.
With political tensions escalating ahead of the polls, the ANC faces the possibility of falling below 50 percent of the vote for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.
The party is experiencing a decline in support due to a sluggish economy and accusations of corruption and mismanagement.
Zuma's recent car accident, just two months before the election, has fueled various conspiracy theories circulating on social media.
The driver of the other vehicle is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
When asked about Zuma's condition, Ndhlela informed AFP, "He remains in high spirits as usual and even found humor in the accident this morning. However, it doesn't mean he's taking it lightly or unaware of the situation."
"Mr. Zuma is currently attending church, praying to keep negative influences away from MK,"
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