Hi Mix Concrete managing director Tony Charlie Romano, 61, and his son Daniel Charles Romano, 34, who also works at the company, have been arrested and charged with the manslaughter of employee Abraham Jabateh.
The duo appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court earlier this month. Both men were granted bail by Magistrate Gregory Fisher to live at addresses in Rosslyn Park and will face the Adelaide Magistrates Court in March.
Truckie Jabateh died at the scene after rolling his concrete truck and crashing into a tree on Spring Gully Road at Piccadilly just before 1pm on October 13.
South Australia Police alleged that a subsequent investigation by the Major Crime and Heavy Vehicle Enforcement branch into the crash and the concrete company’s truck fleet revealed significant deficiencies with 19 of Hi Mix Concrete’s 20 vehicles defected on the day of the collision at the Salisbury South premises.
A report in Adelaide Now said the court heard the wife of Tony Romano had since placed letters on company vehicles, explaining what happened and also asking they co-operate fully with police and SafeWork SA.
Lawyer for the accused Jane Powell added that Hi Mix employs about 25 people and the accused had been doing their “level best to keep this company afloat”.
Outside court, Tony Romano offered his “condolences” to the family of Jabateh.
Jabateh was a respected member of Adelaide’s Liberian community and an entertainer who was known by the stage name Deep Black.
Meanwhile, police said they would like to speak to any former employees of the company, or anyone with information that can assist the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or go online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.