Former South African President Jacob Zuma found himself in a car accident last Thursday, March 28, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of the country. Fortunately, the 81-year-old ex-president and his accompanying bodyguards escaped unharmed, as reported by Al Jazeera.

South African police confirmed the incident on Friday, March 29, through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter). According to the police, a drunk driver, identified as Cha Lock, collided with a state-armored vehicle carrying the former president and his security personnel. Subsequently, authorities arrested the 51-year-old Cha Lock, charging him with reckless driving under the influence of alcohol.

The timing of the accident is noteworthy as South Africa gears up for general elections scheduled for May 29. Election officials had recently announced that Jacob Zuma would not be eligible to contest in the upcoming elections. However, just hours after this announcement, Zuma was involved in the car accident.

Jacob Zuma's political career has been marred by controversies and legal issues. He was forced to resign from the presidency in 2018 amid corruption allegations. In 2021, Zuma faced imprisonment for contempt of court. Despite his tumultuous past, the incident serves as another reminder of the challenges surrounding Zuma's involvement in South African politics.

As investigations into the accident continue, authorities are emphasizing the need for road safety and the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident also raises questions about the security protocols surrounding former presidents and the potential risks they face, even after leaving office.