Driver sought in connection with school learner’s death in Bela-Bela

The Bela-Bela police made available more details surrounding the death of Prayer Chandakafambira (17), a learner at the local Academia Private School, whose body ended up a few kilometres from Bela Mall on the R101 that leads to Pienaarsrivier, on Thursday 10 May.

According to Warrant Officer Dana Smith, a case of culpable homicide was still being investigated, because it was believed an alleged hit-and-run vehicle had hit Prayer, but the driver refused to stop and simply drove away. Prayer was found dead at the scene.

The same morning, prior to Prayer’s death, his family reported him missing when he did not return home.

He was found later in the afternoon, according to the police.

Smith said according to on-going investigations, prior to his death Prayer was a victim of a group of suspects who were running an alleged scam downtown.

The group allegedly approached Prayer close to the Shell Garage and claimed that they were workers of a clothing chain store, and were offering clothing items for a cheap price.

Smith said that Prayer was convinced by the suspects to hand his backpack and cell phone over as collateral to the scammers, and went to the store for the clothing items.

He then found that he was scammed and that the suspects had disappeared with his property, Smith explained.

Prayer then walked in the direction of the Bela Mall and walked into a fast-food outlet.

Smith said Prayer had entered the establishment and asked the manager to record a message, addressed to Prayer’s father, where he explained the circumstances surrounding the scam.

Prayer then left the establishment.

The driver of the vehicle that had struck Prayer was still at large.

• Two other cases of culpable homicide, which took place near Shell Garage on Wednesday 9 May, and the other on the R101 towards Modimolle on Saturday 12 May, were being investigated.According to the police a truck and trailer tried to turn into the business and shopping complex across from Shell. The trailer somehow hooked a pedestrian and was run over by the truck.
  The victim, a male person, was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries, according to the police.

  At this stage the truck driver is not being charged and investigations are continuing. The identity of the victim is also outstanding.

  Luckson Shoko (30), was hit by a vehicle close to the Swift Diesel fuel depot on the Saturday and died at the scene. Shoko was a Zimbabwean.

  The vehicle that had hit him had driven off and investigations are continuing.

  Smith asked that if members of the public have any information surrounding these incidences to get in touch with the police to help with the investigations.

– The Beat