Eric Macheru, the talented actor known for his role as Leeto Maputla on the popular SABC 1 soapie *Skeem Saam*, has found himself at the center of a troubling controversy. Following a car accident on November 16, the actor faces serious allegations of driving under the influence and attempting to flee the scene of the crash.
**The Incident**
The unfortunate incident occurred on a Tuesday evening, where Macheru reportedly crashed his vehicle into another car and then reversed into a third vehicle, driven by a woman named Refilwe Maleka. Maleka took to Twitter to share her alarming experience, claiming that Macheru was visibly intoxicated at the time of the accident. According to her account, the actor first collided with another man’s vehicle, injuring a passenger, before attempting to escape by reversing into her car, which she was driving with her six-month-old twins.
In her tweet, Maleka expressed her concern for her children’s safety, stating, “He hit a man’s car, and the passenger was injured. He hit my car while trying to flee the scene. I was with my six-month-old twins. He still tried to leave before the police arrived.” The gravity of the situation highlights not just the alleged recklessness of Macheru but also the potential danger posed to innocent lives, especially those of young children.
**Claims of Irresponsibility**
Maleka did not stop at merely recounting the event; she shared videos from the accident scene, showcasing the significant damage to her vehicle alongside Macheru’s uninsured Audi. Her frustration over Macheru’s alleged lack of responsibility was palpable in her tweets. “Eric Macheru drinks and drives with total disregard for people’s lives and thinks being a ‘celebrity’ means suffering no consequences,” she lamented. She also mentioned that Macheru had refused to cooperate with her insurance company, further exacerbating the situation.
Although Maleka reported that neither she nor her children sustained injuries, the potential for a far more serious outcome was ever-present. The sight of an uninsured vehicle involved in such reckless behavior only adds to the growing concerns over celebrity conduct and accountability.
**Public Reaction**
The news of this incident has stirred a significant public outcry, with many social media users condemning Macheru’s alleged actions. Twitter users encouraged Maleka to hold Macheru accountable by tagging him on his social media accounts, amplifying her call for justice and urging others to be vigilant against drunk driving.
As of now, Macheru has not publicly responded to the accusations or the incident itself. This silence leaves many of his fans and followers eager for clarity on his side of the story, as well as an official statement from him or his representatives regarding the incident.
**Conclusion**
The allegations against Eric Macheru serve as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame. As public figures, celebrities like Macheru are often scrutinized for their actions off-screen, and incidents like these can have far-reaching implications. While fans await an official response, the spotlight is on Macheru, not only to address the allegations but also to reflect on the importance of accountability and responsible behavior on the road.