11-year-old dies after accident

An 11-year-old King Fisher Private School learner in Phalaborwa, was trying to cross the road near Kruger Spar, when he was struck by a car and was killed last week.

Emergency Services were called to Hendrick Van Eck Road just before the bridge, following the incident.

The Phalaborwa Police Spokesperson, Sergeant Elvis Mongwe, stated that police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.

It is alleged that the driver, a 39-year-old man, was driving his Volkswagen Amarok when he hit the boy.

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The police also revealed that the driver stopped thereafter and the police were notified.

The King Fisher learner was rushed to Maphutha Malatji Hospital for medical attention.

“He later succumbed due to head and body injuries suffered due to the accident,” stated Sergeant Mongwe.

According to preliminary police investigations, three boys attempted to cross Hendrick Van Eck Road.

“One entered the road in an attempt to cross, while the other two remained on the side,” continued Sergeant Mongwe.

He said that the oncoming vehicle, an Amarok, hit him and he sustained serious head and body injuries which later claimed his life.

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The other two boys were not injured in the accident as they had remained on the edge of the road.

The family of the deceased boy was informed and the Station Commander of Phalaborwa SAPS, Colonel Patricia Rakhadani, sent her condolences to the bereaved family.

“We are saddened by the passing of the young boy and we sympathise with the family during these trying times. Our roads are becoming death traps so we appeal to all the drivers to always obey the rules of the road. Speed kills and let us exercise patience and also consider the safety of pedestrians,” stated Colonel Rakhadani.

“The dedicated team of detectives are busy with the investigation to ensure that justice prevails in this matter,” concluded Colonel Rakhadani.