Investigation into fatal accident still ongoing

After nearly two months after the fatal accident on the R554, which involved an official Boksburg North SAPS vehicle, the investigation is still ongoing.

This is according to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

According to IPID spokesperson Robbie Raburabu, technical reports are still outstanding before the matter can go to the director of public prosecutions for a decision.

Raburabu previously explained the IPID is investigating a case of culpable homicide, adding that the vehicle involved in the accident with the police vehicle on April 22, was pushed on the road.

He confirmed the police vehicle was a Toyota Etios, while the other vehicle was a Toyota Yaris. A Ford Ranger was also reportedly hit by the Yaris following the impact of the collision.

Furthermore, IPID said they were aware of allegations regarding an alcohol bottle found in the police vehicle, which is being investigated. It is understood the officer is still working at the station.

The family of Kamokgelo Gama (22), who died in the accident, said they were seeking justice. Kamokgelo died from head and chest injuries.

According to the owner of the Yaris, who wished to remain anonymous, he and Kamokgelo were pushing the car in the yellow lane after it had run out of petrol when the police vehicle drove into them at about 21:50.

“We were on our way home from Carnival City, where we celebrated a birthday when the accident happened. I noticed after the crash it was a police car that had hit us. It had two occupants in it.

“Kamokgelo succumbed to his injuries on the scene. The police officer who was driving the car disappeared.”

The mother of the deceased, Thembisile Gama, said the police officer who was driving the police car should have called an ambulance instead of his colleagues.

“Maybe, they could have saved my child’s life. My son was too young to die. We need justice. We respect that they investigate a case of culpable homicide.

“What is hurting us the most is that the police officers that came to the accident scene didn’t even speak to us.

Even after days after my son’s death, not one police officer came to show sympathy or support for us,” expressed Thembisile.

The deceased, from Radebe Section, Katlehong, was buried on May 3. He worked as a part-time DJ and was survived by his mother, father and siblings.

SAPS provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo declined to comment, saying it might jeopardise the investigation.

The Advertiser could not confirm whether the police officer was on duty at the time of the accident.

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