The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has launched an internal probe into the death of a minor from East Rand, GP, involving an officer from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Child dies after hit-and-run by SAPS officer
Eyewitnesses who saw what allegedly happened in KwaThema, a township south-west of Springs, suggest the unidentified minor was viciously mowed over by an on-duty police van.
According to the anonymous source, whose WhatsApp status message was used to alert SAPS’ higher-ups, the police van, whether aware of it or not, allegedly drove into the minor and sped off.
“Just witnessed [a] police van killed child in front of me and my daughter (hit and run) at KwaThema next to Langaville ext. 8. Some [people] are heartless,” her status read.
From the images the eyewitness posted, the police van involved in the alleged hit-and-run had a significantly large dent on the front bonnet and the registration plat was missing. According to the eyewitness, the latter detached upon impact and was abandoned next to the minor’s lifeless body.
Sure enough, the distress calls reached iPID who, in response, confirmed the matter has been expedited and an internal probe will be launched to determine the culpability of the unknown officer who drove the police van.
“This is definately IPID case.The matter has been escalated to IPID Gauteng office and we will investigate the case.We thank everyone who is assisted in making sure that the case reach us,we will appreciate witness participation in making sure that justice is served to the victims,” the police internal authority noted.
This is a developing story.