A 19-year-old driver is expected to face charges of reckless and negligent driving after crashing a bakkie into a shop pillar at Venda Plaza on Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred at about 15:10 when the driver of a Toyota Hilux allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into one of the pillars of the shopping complex, causing panic among nearby shoppers and business owners.
Police conducting routine patrols in the area were alerted and rushed to the scene, where they found the damaged vehicle lodged against the structure.
The driver, who has a valid driver’s licence, escaped without serious injuries. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that a case of reckless and negligent driving is being processed.
“We gathered all the details at the scene and the docket will be taken to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision, as the driver was found with a valid driver’s licence and was not under the influence of alcohol,” said Dathi.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.