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EC Arrive Alive Spokesperson : Ncedo Kumbaca,BAC 0,26 g,involved in Crash
2009/07/23
A SENIOR official in the provincial Transport Department – and Arrive Alive’s spokesperson for the Eastern Cape – was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Director of communications for Transport and Safety in the province, Ncedo Kumbaca , pleaded guilty to the charge of drunk driving before magistrate Kevin von Bratt.
Kumbaca’s blood alcohol reading was found to be 0.26g/100ml, far higher than the legal limit of 0.05g/100ml. He was sentenced to five months in prison or a fine of R5000, of which half was suspended for four years.
Kumbaca escaped having his driver’s licence endorsed, telling the court he needed it to perform his duties, and indicated he would be paying the fine in instalments.
He was initially charged with drunk driving as well as reckless and negligent driving after he was involved in an accident in his Nissan Navara in Amalinda in 2007.
Yesterday Kumbaca’s boss and provincial MEC, Ghishma Barry, said it was the first time she had heard of the case against her spokesperson which made it difficult for her to comment on the matter.
Kumbaca’s role as spokesperson for the department and the Arrive Alive campaign routinely includes warning the public against drinking and driving. He is also an ANC Youth League branch chairperson and is in the running to become Amathole regional leader of the league.
National Arrive Alive spokesperson Thandi Moyo said she was unaware of the case.
The Automobile Association’s head of public affairs, Gary Ronald, said people heading sensitive campaigns such as Arrive Alive should lead by example. “... he (Kumbaca) should learn from this experience. His MEC should also execute a considered action against him.” - By SIBONGILE MKANI, Court Reporter |
