Residents from Dallas Flats in Eldorado Park Extension Three are raising concerns about their safety after a bakkie crashed into one of the units at the flats on Wednesday, October 16.
According to several eyewitnesses, a white bakkie was seen spinning in the courtyard at the flats. Gina Lee, a resident explains what happened:
“It was about 9.30 in the morning. I was standing outside with a friend of mine and we saw the white bakkie spinning right in front of us. The bakkie moved at a fast speed. We then heard a crash, it was very loud, we ran to see what had happened. When we got there, we saw that it was my wall he drove into,” said Lee.
“I then rushed inside my flat to see if my daughter was okay because she was sitting on the couch right next to the wall. I thank God that she wasn’t hurt badly, she only bruised her elbow,” Lee added.
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When asked for comment regarding the issue, ward councillor Fazel Jaffer confirmed that the incident was escalated to the provincial level.
“Repairs will be made to the flat, it is a priority,” said Jaffer.
The councillor also confirmed that the driver was arrested and charged with theft of a motor vehicle and malicious damage to property as well as reckless and negligent driving.
Communications officer Constable Roxanne Gibb said the driver lost control of the vehicle while he was spinning.
“The driver wasn’t suspected to be intoxicated at the time of the incident,” said Gibb.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, residents found a powdered substance folded into a piece of paper.
Residents expressed their concerns about spinning, especially at the flats.
“This isn’t a new thing. Some cars spin here all the time, whether it is day or night, they don’t care. I fear for our children who play outside, they are not safe,” said Lee.
Councillor Jaffer said that he shares the same sentiments as the residents living at the flats.
“The spinning issue is a huge concern. I urge motorists to obey the rules of the road at all times and adhere to speed limits, especially, in built-up areas. Parents should only lend their vehicles to their children only if they have a valid drivers license,” said Jaffer.
The suspect has been arrested and will appear in court soon.
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