By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 April 2025- A man (37), who is facing charges of reckless driving and common assault for allegedly assaulting a high school learner (18), briefly appeared at the Nigel Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that on 10 April 2025, the victim was a passenger in a school transport on their way back from school, while there was traffic on the road.
It is alleged that the accused, Xolane Qhubeke was driving on the wrong side of the road, thus blocking the scholar transport.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said an altercation between the accused and the driver of the scholar transport allegedly ensued, while the two were standing outside next to the scholar transport vehicle. Mahanjana said, while standing outside, it is alleged that the accused put his upper body inside the scholar transport and disengaged the hand brake of the vehicle.
“The complainant, who was sitting at the back of the car, then pulled the hand brake back up. At that point, it is alleged that the accused began to assault the learner by hitting her with an open hand multiple times.
“The learner reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested on 12 April 2025, and released the same day on police bail. In court, the matter was postponed to 22 April 2025 for legal representation,” she said.
The Guardian 