Truck Driver Accuses Boss of Pressuring Him to Drive Despite Fatigue and ‘Witch Curse’ Fears

In a chilling courtroom revelation, truck driver Mohinder Singh, currently serving an 18.5-year sentence for the deaths of four police officers, pointed the finger of blame at his former boss, Simiona Tuteru, for the fatal accident. The tragic event, which took place on April 22, 2020, marked the largest loss of life in Victoria Police’s history.

Allegations of Coercion and Witchcraft

Singh accused Tuteru, his supervisor at Connect Logistics, of compelling him to drive despite Singh’s protestations of fatigue and a haunting belief that he had been cursed by a witch. Singh’s fears were reportedly sparked by an encounter with a female hitchhiker he had picked up. Tuteru, who reportedly also held the position of a pastor, allegedly sought out any objects left by witches in Singh’s vehicle, offered him a blessing, and then gave him the green light to drive, suggesting he carry one load to gauge his feelings.

Singh’s State Prior to the Crash

Before the fatal crash, Singh confessed to a lack of sleep and heavy drug use, including methamphetamine, over the previous days. However, despite the drug-induced haze and fatigue, Singh insisted his recollection of the events leading up to the accident was clear. His apprehension about losing his job did not lead him to outrightly refuse to drive. He maintained, however, that he expressed his unwillingness to drive and was not attempting to divert blame onto Tuteru for the accident.

The Court Proceedings

The ongoing hearing before Justice James Elliot has delved into the murky details of the incident. Singh’s testimony has drawn the spotlight onto the pressures of the trucking industry and the potential consequences of prioritising profits over safety. As the court proceedings continue, the spotlight remains firmly on Tuteru, his alleged failure to comply with a safety duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, and his potential role in the tragic death of four police officers.