Velaphi Mdletshe (53) from Mandeni is urgently seeking legal assistance following a car accident that occurred on December 24, 2022. The vehicle involved in the accident was reportedly driven by iLembe Municipality Mayor Thobani Shandu. Mdletshe’s efforts to register his injuries with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) have been met with challenges due to conflicting statements published on the day of the incident. This has left Mdletshe in a difficult position, unable to access the compensation he believes he is entitled to.
Conflicting Statements Create Legal Hurdles
Mdletshe asserts that Mayor Shandu’s account of the incident is inaccurate. According to Mdletshe, the mayor claimed that his brother was driving the car at the time of the accident. However, Mdletshe insists that he clearly saw Mayor Shandu behind the wheel, accompanied by a friend who is a police officer. This discrepancy has created a significant barrier for Mdletshe in his quest to register his claim with the RAF.
Mdletshe’s case highlights a common issue faced by many road accident victims in South Africa—navigating the complexities of the RAF claims process. The RAF is a state insurer that compensates individuals injured in road accidents, provided they can prove that the accident was not entirely their fault. However, when the facts of an accident are disputed, as in Mdletshe’s case, the process can become complicated and drawn out.
Consequences of the Accident! Misinformation make his Road Accident Fund complex
The consequences of the accident have been severe for Mdletshe. Not only did he lose his vehicle, but he also sustained significant injuries that required medical intervention. Mdletshe reveals that he suffered a serious leg injury, which necessitated the insertion of a metal implant. This injury has had a lasting impact on his quality of life and his ability to work, further compounding his difficulties.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Mdletshe claims that Mayor Shandu only provided his family with R1,000 to cover his initial hospital expenses. This amount, according to Mdletshe, is grossly inadequate given the extent of his injuries and the ongoing medical treatment he requires. Mdletshe’s situation underscores the challenges faced by road accident victims in securing adequate compensation for their injuries, especially when powerful individuals are involved.
Mayor’s Office Silent on the Matter
Attempts to get a comment from Mayor Shandu have been unsuccessful. When contacted, the mayor’s office declined to respond to the allegations, leaving Mdletshe’s claims unaddressed. This silence has only added to Mdletshe’s frustration and sense of injustice.
Mdletshe is now seeking legal assistance to help him navigate the complexities of the RAF claims process and hold those responsible for the accident accountable. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate and honest reporting in the aftermath of road accidents, especially when the truth can have a significant impact on a victim’s ability to access justice and compensation.
Road to Justice
As Mdletshe continues his search for legal assistance, his story brings to light the challenges many South Africans face in similar situations. The RAF was established to protect and compensate road accident victims, but when the facts are disputed, the path to justice can be fraught with difficulties. Mdletshe’s determination to seek the truth and secure the compensation he deserves is a testament to the resilience of road accident victims who refuse to be silenced