Boy left for dead after hit-and-run
The affected family, who wished to remain anonymous, alerted the Middelburg Observer about the incident.
An 18-year-old boy was the victim of a hit-and-run in Mhluzi’s Extension 4, with the boy taken to the Middelburg Provincial Hospital for treatment.
The Mphanama Secondary School matric learner was struck after accompanying his grandmother to their local taxi rank.
Every Tuesday and Friday morning, the boy happily escorts his beloved grandmother so that the 66-year-old woman can make her way into town to conduct her role as a domestic worker.
These walks take place at 05:00, and with the winter’s sun yet to rise, the boy keeps his grandmother company for her safety.
On Tuesday, however, the boy’s own safety was put at risk.
It is alleged that at 05:30, a man driving a white bakkie was speeding down the street when he belatedly noticed a speed bump.
The driver could not slow down enough in time to safely go over the speed deterrent and dangerously swerved his vehicle to the right of the bump, striking the boy down in the process.
Instead of stopping to examine whether the boy required medical attention, the man sped off, abandoning the scene and the injured boy.
The Observer spoke with the boy’s mother about her first reaction to the news, “I had the same reaction as any other parent. I was very concerned… I was scared.”
The boy was taken to the casualty ward at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital to be assessed by doctors.
He was only examined at 16:00, and his mother said he was suffering from a great amount of pain in his arm and back.
The boy did not sustain any fractures, but his mother stated he had a tremendous amount of swelling and was in a state of shock.
“I understand that mistakes happen, but to not stop and check if a child is okay? That is not right!” the mother said.
• The alleged perpetrator was a man wearing a blue mining jacket with a matching beanie.
• If anyone has any information regarding the incident, contact the Middelburg Observer on 072 248 3855.
