Eastern Cape police are investigating a culpable homicide case involving a motorist who mauled an 11-year-old girl in Kariega, on Monday.
Eastern Cape police investigating culpable homicide case
In a statement, police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed the incident took place on the evening of 28 February 2022, on Rocklands Road.
According to the driver, whose name has not been made public at this time, it was approximately 18:50 when he encountered 11-year-old Maria Makwena strolling along the sidewalk with a friend.
The driver of the Red Toyota Tazz involved in the fatal car accident claims Makwena and her friend attempted to cross the road without observing oncoming traffic and, by then, it was too late for him to swerve out of the way.
“According to the driver, he noticed children walking on the pavement on his approach. He also alleges that he decreased speed and when he was close to them, two children suddenly ran across the road, but one of them turned back again and the accident took place,” Captain Beetge revealed.
Emergency medical officials were rushed to the scene but, by then, Makwena had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.
Kariega homicide investigators have since launched an inquest to determine if any culpability exists on the part of the driver.
“The South African Police Service wishes to remind our communities to not let children walk or play unsupervised at or close to busy streets,” the police statement concluded.
According to the Department of Transport, the Eastern Cape recorded 108 road fatalities in January 2022, up from 71 in the same period in 2021.
“During the month of January 2022, 1 672 roadblocks were undertaken, with 741 027 vehicles stopped and checked. A total of 173 686 traffic fines were issued and 4 846 drivers were arrested for various offences.
“Notable offences for which these traffic fines were issued in the month include driving above speed limits, operating unlicensed vehicles, driving without driver’s licences, violations of traffic signs, and operating vehicles with worn tyres,” Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula noted in a statement.