AN Agang SA co-ordinator in the North West says he nearly died after he was involved in a car crash with the driver of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality mayor Louis Diremelo.

David Madisha says his car was hit by the mayor's black BMW X5, driven by Bachitile Phaswane, on the Old Rustenburg Road on Friday morning.

"He came out of nowhere. My car was hit from behind and I blacked out."

He said his car hit the car in front of him because of the impact and rolled.

"When I came to, I was told this man was seen speeding at 200km/h. Witnesses claim he was drunk.

"My collarbone is broken and I have to have surgery. I also have a laceration on my head. I plan to press charges against this man because he could have killed me," Madisha said from his bed at Peglerae Hospital in Rustenburg.

Bojanala spokesman Archie Babeile confirmed the crash.

"He was on duty at 6am and on his way to fetch the mayor to attend a government function.

"As far as we know, it was an unfortunate accident. The matter has been reported to the police.

"If investigations show that he was indeed under the influence or speeding, the law will take its course.

"The mayor is shocked. The driver has also sustained injuries and is in hospital," Babeile said.

Police spokesman Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said a case of reckless and negligent driving had been opened.

"At this point in time we cannot confirm whether the driver was drinking or speeding. These allegations will be investigated."

somaya@sundayworld.co.za