A warrant has been authorised for the arrest of the taxi driver charged after last year’s Cape Flats level-crossing smash that claimed the lives of 10 children.
The arrest warrant for Jacob Humphries, 55, of Elsiesrivier, was authorised in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court yesterday, due to Humphries’ failure to attend court.
Prosecutor Quentin Appels, of the Western Cape Directorate for Public Prosecutions, told Magistrate Gerald Hattingh that Humphries had gone to his brother’s funeral, with permission.
He requested that the warrant be held in abeyance until April 29, when Humphries was due to appear again.
The warrant would be executed only if Humphries failed to make his next court appearance.
Nine children died at the scene in August last year, when Humphries allegedly veered around cars waiting at the Blackheath level crossing, and his taxi was hit by a train.
The 10th child died in hospital.
Humphries was hospitalised after the smash, and was arrested on his release.
Appels said yesterday the state would provide defence attorney Enver Titus with a copy of the police docket at the next court appearance.
At the next appearance, he would also indicate to the court what charges would be levelled against Humphries, and whether his trial would take place in the Regional or High court. – Sapa