The Qungqu family from New Rest informal settlement in Makhaza is demanding police pay for damage caused by a police van that hit and damaged their yard and shack on Friday 7 August.

Thobeka Qungqu, the shack owner, said all she needs is her belongings.

She said the incident occurred after 23:00 and that the officer fled the scene.

Police van smashes into Makhaza shack

“I don’t know whether the officer was drunk or what. I was sleeping in the bedroom when the incident occurred. My daughter (18) was sitting in front watching a movie on television. I heard a bang at the back of my shack and the cupboard with all the dishes and cups fell. The drawers broke and the set of glasses were in the cupboard,” explained Qungqu, adding that the police van went on to hit her neighbour’s gate and damaged the yard made with slabs.

She said when they looked outside to find out what had happened, they saw a police van reversing away. Qungqu said fortunately the car’s registration number plate fell off and she took it.

Registration plate left behind

“On Saturday morning (8 August) an officer came here and looked around outside. He asked if we didn’t see the registration number and we gave it to him. But we had already taken a photo of it. According to the officers from Makhaza Police Station, they traced it and the police van was from Delft,” said Qungqu.

Case changed to reckless and negligent driving

Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk said Makhaza police originally registered a case of malicious damage to property.

“According to reports, the incident happened on Friday 7 August at about 23:25 at a premises in New Rest, 39 Block, Walter Sisulu Road, Makhaza. The charge was changed to reckless and negligent driving. Investigations continue,” said Van Wyk.