UPDATE: Liam still in ICU
BOSMONT – Police are still on the lookout for two alleged drag racers that ran down Liam Scheepers.
Liam Scheepers, the 13-year old boy who was seriously injured in a hit and run drag racing incident involving two drag racing cars, is still in a serious condition in the intensive care unit of the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital.
He was hit by a car two weeks ago when he was walking with a friend on Albertina Sisulu Road. According to witnesses from nearby businesses, the two cars believed to be Volkswagens were drag racing when they hit Liam. Both cars fled the scene and left Liam fighting for his life at the side of the road.
The family has since been doing their own investigation to bring the suspects to justice.
The family said they are positive that Liam will recover because the doctors have given them hope.
Darian Scheepers, Liam’s uncle, said that the doctors who are treating him said they are happy with his progress. Liam was still not fully awake because they are keeping him sedated.
“He opens his eyes, tries to move one leg and one hand, but the doctors said that he is still not awake and they are keeping him on a ventilator,” said Darian. He also mentioned that the doctors scheduled another scan due to possible bleeding on Liam’s brain.
The doctor’s need to see if he has brain injuries. Even though he is still on a drip and not able to breathe on his own yet, the doctors are feeling hopeful.
Liam has been in ICU for two weeks now. He pulls his face when he feels pain and the family believe this it is a good sign.
His grandmother, Zelda Scheepers, said, “It has been two weeks, prayer keeps us and Liam going,” she said.
She also mentioned that the doctors and nurses at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital were doing a great job of taking care of her grandson.
Prayer groups have also offered to go to the hospital to pray for Liam’s progress.
The family received an anonymous tip-off on 14 July, that the two drag racing cars were apparently spotted in Riverlea. Unfortunately, the response time was not swift enough and by the time the police arrived in Rivelea, the two cars were gone.
The family said they will also continue to follow-up all the information they receive from the community to get justice for their little boy.
The Sophiatown Police corporate communications officer, Lieutenant Colonel Julia Claassen, said that the case is still under investigation.” We are asking the community to come forward with any information that they have, by calling the crime office number on 082 319 9497 or the duty officers on 082 850 7945.
