Former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkonto weSizwe (MK) Party has called for Zuma’s security detail to be beefed up following a vehicle accident last week. Zuma’s official armoured state vehicle was involved in a head-on collision last Thursday.

The former president and MK Party leader was allegedly returning to his Nkandla residence from Eshowe following an event by the political party. Police Minister Bheki Cele has however said that the current security detail deployed for the protection of the former president is sufficient and on par.

The police ministry says it has noted the calls and demands for the police minister to be questioned about the security details of Zuma following the accident.

Following a thorough briefing to the ministry by the South African Police Service Management, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, says he is satisfied that the current security deployed for the protection of Jacob Zuma is sufficient and is on par with other former heads of states.

“The ministry further finds a call made by the uMkonto weSizwe Party for the Minister of Police to be questioned on Jacob Zuma’s security details, reckless and out of order.”

The police ministry and the South African Police Service says it will not be divulging any security details of any current or former heads of state.

Meanwhile, a 51-year-old man has been arrested for charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless and negligent driving following the accident. The alleged drunk driver made his first court appearance in the Eshowe Magistrates Court on Tuesday and has been granted R500 bail.

The magistrate presiding over the matter added that the suspect’s identity should not be published due to safety concerns and the controversy around this case.

The State did not oppose bail as the suspect was his first-time offender and not a flight risk.

The matter has been postponed to the 3rd of May 2024.