Strand police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a child pedestrian was fatally injured in an accident on Monday (19 September).
The incident occurred around 16:00 when the boy was struck down on Main Road in Strand near the thoroughfare under the N2 bridge.
The deceased has been identified as 10-year-old Yakhanani Mvulo from Zola, Nomzamo.
According to police, Mvulo was among a group of boys who were making their way to an open grassy patch located near the busy arterial route to play a game of soccer. Mvulo was knocked down when he attempted to cross the road on their way there. Unconfirmed reports claim while darting across the street, the boy lost a shoe, which he turned back for when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle.
Edward Bosch, a spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services, said firefighting crews in a fire engine and rescue vehicle from Strand and Somerset West were dispatched after receiving the emergency call at 16:36.
“Upon arrival, Traffic and Metro Emergency Medical Services personnel were on scene. One minor male was knocked down by a motor vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. The scene was handed over to police,” said Bosch.
Mvulo’s mother, Busisiwe shared finding it difficult to cope with the loss of her only son. “I am not okay, but I am trying,” the bereaved parent said.
She recalled being home at the time of the incident and alerted to the tragedy by neighbours. She immediately rushed to the scene where she was overwhelmed with emotions after the heart-wrenching sight of her son’s lifeless body in the road.
Busisiwe said Mvulo was among seven boys, who witnessed the tragic accident which still haunts them.
She further described Mvulo as a kind, loving and likeable boy who will be sorely missed. “His presence is what we long for more than anything else,” she added.
Mvulo was a Grade 4 learner at Solomon Qatyana Primary School, where fellow learners and teachers have expressed being saddened by the loss.
“We face a tragic, sad reality,” said class teacher Khuphala Gqwakaza. “He was an all-round good boy. He did well academically and socially. He was a quiet learner, who enjoyed joking around and playtime, especially soccer, with fellow classmates.”
