×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

McBride 'not under the influence'

Robert McBride. Pic. 24/01/2007. © Unknown.
Robert McBride. Pic. 24/01/2007. © Unknown.

Kingdom Mabuza

Kingdom Mabuza

Robert McBride, pictured right, does not remember what happened shortly before and after he crashed his car on December 21.

The chief of Ekurhuleni Metro Police yesterday insisted: "I was not drunk at the time of the accident. In fact, I was not under the influence of alcohol and had not consumed any alcohol on that day."

McBride, who addressed the media with mayor Duma Nkosi in Germiston yesterday, told journalists that blood tests - but not to determine the presence of alcohol in his blood - were done at a hospital he refused to name.

"Because alcohol was not involved, the tests were not related to that," he said.

When asked why controversy always seemed to follow him, he took a swipe at sections of society that have not forgiven him for his previous role in the liberation struggle.

"In the past 15 years allegations have been made against me and on every occasion I have been exonerated.

"I have been found guilty because I fought in the liberation struggle and I was part of the ANC armed campaign," he said.

McBride said while he was on leave the press continued with sensational but untrue articles.

"Immediately after the accident I remained ill, and was confined under medical treatment. I then went on a preplanned family holiday," he said.

He said he was told by officers on the scene that various members of the public helped at the scene while others were "difficult, arrogant and obstructive".

"Some members at the scene had stolen the car keys of the official police vehicle [that took him to hospital] and prevented me from being taken away for urgent medical attention."

Nkosi said based on the information at his disposal, there was no need to suspend McBride.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.