Man dies in tragic fall from moving scrap truck in Boipatong

BOIPATONG. – A metal scavenger, Teboho Setshedi (34), lost his life after falling from a moving truck while it was delivering scrap metal at Cape Gate in Boipatong on Wednesday, June 10.
According to police reports, Setshedi and another man climbed onto the moving truck in an attempt to offload steel before it reached its destination.
Unaware that the truck wouldn’t slow down as it approached Cape Gate, the duo made a fateful decision to jump off.
Tragically, Maloka fell and hit his head on the road in Nobel Boulevard.
Family members were called to the scene shortly after the incident, only to be met with the devastating sight of Maloka’s lifeless body.
Thabo Setshedi, the family spokesperson, shared the family’s grief and frustration, stating: “We are devastated by the incident and we wish Cape Gate would employ some of these guys so that the tragic incidents can end.
We are going to see more bodies every month as long as our community is faced with a high unemployment rate.”
Thabo highlighted that Teboho, like many others, was a hard worker.
“It’s not like these men who die here don’t want to work.
Some used to work for the same company but were laid off due to COVID-19. For almost two years, my brother used to work at Cape Gate under external contractors.
As we speak, he had his documents and overalls ready.”
The tragic incident is not isolated. In April, another scavenger similarly fell and suffered fatal head injuries.
Boipatong police spokesperson, Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela, confirmed the incident and said police arrived promptly at the scene and commenced an investigation.
Maxambela further noted that preliminary findings suggest potential negligence and the incident is currently being investigated as a culpable homicide case.
“Further details will be released as the investigation progresses. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” she added.