A police officer involved in a hit-and-run incident in Nelson Mandela Boulevard in George on July 29 in which a boy (5) died, and another young child was injured, was arrested yesterday.

The warrant officer, stationed at the Thembalethu Detective branch, was arrested on charges of culpable homicide and several other traffic-related offences which include failing to stop at the scene of an accident, determining any injuries and failing to report an accident.

He remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on Monday.

It is alleged that the young children, who were crossing Nelson Mandela Boulevard, were struck by a white Nissan Hardbody of the Thembalethu Detective branch that was driven by the warrant officer.

It is further alleged that the officer, who was on duty at the time, left the scene without reporting the accident.

Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, the provincial police spokesperson, said they were informed that the member had been arrested by members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) yesterday morning.

“Meanwhile, a departmental investigation is underway with regards to the conduct of the member,” said Pojie.

George Herald is awaiting comment from Ipid.