Update
GEORGE NEWS - A 9-year-old boy died on the way to the George Hospital after he was allegedly run over by a speeding taxi on Youth Day, Saturday 16 June, in Tabata Street in Thembalethu.
According to eyewitnesses the boy, who was coming from Phelandaba, was on his way to visit his father in Asazani when he was hit by the taxi while crossing the road. It is alleged that the driver (18) was speeding. The witnesses said the driver took off and didn't stop.
The driver was arrested on Sunday after residents reacted to a request for information on social media.
According to the police they also confiscated the taxi. The suspect faces charges of culpable homicide, failing to report an accident, failing to stop after the accident and failing to attend to the injured person after the accident.
The suspect appeared in court on Tuesday 19 June. He was released on R500 bail and is due to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court again on 25 July.
Following this incident, residents picketed in Tabata Street on Monday, calling for the George Municipality to do something about speeding vehicles in the street. They made speed deterrents, packing bricks across the road or digging shallow ditches.
Nomawethu Jantjies, ward councillor of this area, said they have forwarded a number of complaints to the George Municipality about the conditions in Tabata Street, stating that speed humps and speed control traffic signs are needed because the reckless driving is endangering people's lives.
Residents of Thembalethu have vowed to stop cars from speeding in Tabata street. Photos: Zolani Sinxo.
"We have been complaining for many years now about this road, however, the George Municipality doesn't want to help us. How many people must die before they hear our outcries?" asked Jantjies.
The George Municipality hasn't responded to the paper's inquiries in this regard before going to press.
Read a previous article: 9-year-old run down by 'speeding' taxi
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