A Maraisburg hit-and-run survivor, Shaun Mitchell, says that one of his New Year’s resolutions is to ensure that justice is served in his case.
The 33-year-old man, who is currently receiving treatment at home, was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident on 17 December when a bakkie driver allegedly knocked him over and fled the scene.
Mitchell, who desperately wants the bakkie driver to account for what he did, told us that he was knocked over shortly before midnight while walking to a local gaming store.
“My friends and I were walking to an internet gambling store on Ontdekkers Road. As we were walking on the left side of the road, my friends crossed over to the right. As I decided to cross over I saw this bakkie coming towards me at a high speed,” he said. He added that he tried to avoid the bakkie but it kept on coming towards him. “I tried to go to the left but it followed me, and when I dodged to the right, it continued in my direction. The next thing, it hit me, and I found myself lying on the street,” Mitchell recalled.
Mitchell was rushed to the Helen Joseph Hospital on the same night and spent Christmas day there. “I was admitted on the day of the accident and discharged on 29 December,” he said.
The incident resulted in a broken arm, stitches over the eye, and surgical screws having to be inserted into his knee and hip.
As Mitchell continues his road to recovery, he alleged that he has had no joy on the case as he has been told that the investigating officer is on leave. “We have not received any feedback from the police. I was told the investigating officer is on leave until 18 January while the bakkie driver roams freely on the streets,” he lamented.
He provided a description of the vehicle that almost ended his life. “It is a new model red Toyota Hilux double cab with the number plate ‘Finally GP’,” he claimed.
Sergeant Mpho More, the spokesperson for Florida Police Station appealed for patience until the return of the investigating officer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!