Thembalethu cop released on bail after fatal hit-and-run
A four-year-old boy died and another young child was injured when they were struck by a bakkie belonging to the detective branch.
Warrant Officer Zolani Jele (41) of the Thembalethu Detectives, who was arrested last Friday on a charge of culpable homicide, was released on R5 000 bail in the George Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon.
Jele also faces several traffic-related offences after he failed to stop at an accident scene in which a young child died and another was injured.
He will appear in court again on September 3.
It is alleged that the children, Azoma Make (4) and Aziaha Oosthuizen (3), were crossing Nelson Mandela Boulevard when they were struck by a white Nissan Hardbody belonging to the Thembalethu detective branch, reportedly driven by Jele. Azoma suffered severe head injuries and passed away in hospital. Aziaha sustained a foot injury and was released from hospital after a few days.
Jele, who was on duty at the time, left the scene without reporting the accident.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie stated last week that a departmental investigation is underway regarding the conduct of the member.
The George Herald is still awaiting comment from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
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