Update
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - In an attempt to see justice prevail for Alan Smit, a Plettenberg Bay man who died as a result of a hit-and-run incident between Sedgefield and Knysna last month, his family has asked the public for assistance.
Smit's family have created the Facebook page "Justice for Alan", urging the public to come forward with information that might help police in their investigation into the incident on Saturday 23 March.
His sister Jamie Smit said the family is still traumatised after their loved one was killed. "It was especially difficult over the Easter weekend and after his little girl celebrated her birthday on 13 April," Smit said. She said they created the page in an effort to ensure the matter is not "forgotten".
Bakkie confiscated, but no arrest
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies no arrests have been made. A silver Opel Corsa bakkie had been confiscated and sent for forensic testing.
"Other than that," Smit said, "we have had no further updates.
She said her 28-year-old brother had been driving his Land Rover Defender on the N2 between Sedgefield and Knysna on the night of the incident. According to a witness report the driver of a silver Opel Corsa bakkie appeared behind Alan and started driving very close to his vehicle, flashing its headlights. The driver of the vehicle allegedly attempted to pass the Defender several times, but Alan could not pull over due to low visibility.
Smit said the witness informed them that the vehicle eventually passed Alan and pulled into the lane in front of them, forcing Alan to stop.
The driver of the other vehicle allegedly got out of the bakkie and Alan got out of his vehicle too, but as Alan walked towards the driver, the man got back into his bakkie and reversed towards Alan. According to reports the bakkie then hit Alan and sped off.
Alan was transported to the Knysna Hospital by ambulance, but succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Appeal to witnesses
Alan's wife Ashleigh (25) has sent out appeals on social media asking witnesses to come forward with information that might help with the police investigation. "If you or anyone drove past the two vehicles on the side of the road between 20:00 and 21:09 either leaving or coming into Knysna between the White Bridge and the Welbedacht turnoff, you might have observed crucial information needed to make an arrest," one of the Facebook posts reads.
Alan leaves behind his wife, daughter Alleigh (4) and nine-month-old son Axyl. Those who have information can either contact Smit on 082 926 8713 or Sergeant Xolani Petros on 044 302 6652.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed that the appeal to the public would help police in their investigation.
Read a previous article: Accident on the N2 just outside Sedgefield
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