Tragedy struck on the N2 outside Somerset West last Monday (14 April) when the life of a six-year-old boy was snuffed out on the arterial route.
The child was one of three pedestrians struck by a vehicle near the intersection at Onverwacht Road and the highway at dusk.
Video footage captured by a vehicle occupant passing by after work was shared on social media, generating numerous reactions.
While many criticised pedestrians on the highway and the insensitivity of posting the video, some offered condolences in light of the tragedy occurring just days before the Easter weekend.
According to Lwandle police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama, police officers responded to the incident around 19:15.
“On their arrival police officers found two pedestrians injured and one already deceased,” said Gama. “It is alleged the three, all from the same family from Lwandle, were crossing the road when they were struck by a white Opel Corsa with a 62-year-old behind the wheel.”
Gama added a case of culpable homicide has been opened and is under investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Family relative Benny Mlabo (42) confirmed to DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette that the three
pedestrians struck were his elder brother, James (49) and his two sons, Romeo (9) and Fanuel (6), who had gone for a walk after work when the incident occurred. Deeply saddened by the tragedy, he lamented the loss of his young nephew, a life full of potential tragically cut short.
“Fanuel tragically died on impact. He was a friendly boy who will forever be sorely missed.” Mlabo said funeral arrangements will be finalised once the police investigation was concluded.
He said both his brother and nephew were seriously injured and taken to Tygerberg Hospital, where the father remained in a critical condition and Romeo was expected to undergo surgery on a broken leg.
