Mitchells Plain Hit-and-Run Killer Apprehended, Justice Served, SA Devastated

Mitchells Plain Hit-and-Run Killer Apprehended, Justice Served, SA Devastated

  • A Mitchells Plain family suffered the tragic loss of their nine-year-old daughter in a hit-and-run incident
  • Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident, noting that the victim was declared dead at the scene
  • Motorists on Swartklip Road have persistently engaged in speeding over the years, displaying minimal regard for the nearby communities
Hit and run driver caught
The mother, aged 38, reports that her friend observed the incident where the female driver of the car quickly fled the scene. Image: Leon Knipe
Source: Getty Images

MITCHELLS PLAIN - The New Year began with tragedy for a Mitchells Plain family, as they lost their nine-year-old daughter in a hit-and-run accident on Sunday. Frustrated community members took to the streets, protesting the absence of traffic calming measures on Swartklip Road, where young Zai Pienaar tragically lost her life.

According to Daily Voice, Yolanda, the mother, shared that her friend witnessed the incident.

"I was informed that Zai was chatting with a friend on the roadside when the driver allegedly sped down the road.

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We don't have all the details, but according to reports, the side mirror struck Zai in the ribs, and we are uncertain about the extent of her injuries."

Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the police spokesperson, verified the incident, stating that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Yolanda expresses that drivers on Swartklip Road have been consistently speeding for years, showing little consideration for the neighbouring communities. She emphasises that her child is not the only fatality on this road.

"I will closely monitor this case, seeking justice for my daughter."

Mzansi was devasted by the tragic incident

Frustrated social media users took to Facebook to send their condolences to the bereaved family.

Feroza Martin stated:

"Sincere condolences and so sorry for your loss."

Elizabeth Dingwall noted with heartache:

"A poor young girl lost her life in an accident. So sad. This time of the year to many accidents. Condolences to the family."

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Bronwyn Van Schalkwyk expressed concern:

"How does one knock a person and then drive off?

Jillian Brandt heartbroken:

"How can she leave a 9-year-old."

Chany Moses said:

"Oh no man such a beautiful child. Hope justice is served

Outcry over controversial Road Accident Fund Bill excluding hit-and-run victims

According to IOL, the Department of Transport released the Road Accident Fund Amendment Bill, which has sparked significant controversy, garnering over 5,000 objections.

Critics contend that if the bill is passed, it will significantly limit the rights of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to seek compensation for injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents.

Advocate Justin Erasmus, Chairperson of the Personal Injury Plaintiff Lawyers Association (PIPLA), in conjunction with various law societies, cautions that the proposed changes would severely curtail benefits and constrain existing rights, particularly affecting economically disadvantaged individuals.

2 Zimbabweans arrested for abducting 3 children in Mpumalanga and Springs

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In other news, Briefly News reported that South Africans are demanding the harshest punishment for two women arrested for child abduction. The South African Police Service apprehended the women on December 31, 2023, upon discovering their involvement in the abduction of three children.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Hajira Khota avatar

Hajira Khota (Editor) Hajira Khota is a Current Affairs Writer at Briefly News. You can contact Hajira at khota.hajira@brieflynews.co.za