Kariega police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the deceased following two separate fatal accidents that occurred on the same evening, Wednesday, 10 June.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg confirmed that both incidents are being investigated, with the identities of the deceased in each case yet to be formally established.

Pedestrian killed on R344/Daniel Pienaar Road

The first incident occurred at approximately 17:55 when a pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle on the R344/Daniel Pienaar Road in the direction of Kariega.

“It is alleged that the driver of a white Toyota Quantum was travelling towards Kariega when he heard a loud impact,” said Captain Janse Van Rensburg. “Upon stopping to investigate, he discovered that he had collided with a pedestrian.”

The pedestrian, believed to be an African male aged approximately 40 years, was declared dead at the scene. At the time of the incident, the deceased was wearing a black pair of jeans with navy tracksuit pants underneath, a navy-blue hoodie bearing the words “LOS ANGELES 29 SUNSET BLVD” printed in white, and a blue-and-white checkered shirt beneath the hoodie.

Police are urging anyone who may recognise the description to come forward. The investigating officer, Captain Ronald Vogel, can be contacted on 083 376 2359. Members of the public can also contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, use the MySAPS App, or visit their nearest police station.

Passenger found dead after vehicle leaves road

The second incident unfolded later that same evening at approximately 22:50 on Mel Brooks Avenue, Kariega, when a VW Jetta 5 travelling from KwaNobuhle towards Kariega left the roadway and came to a stop in nearby bushes. The vehicle was occupied by a driver and a rear-seat passenger at the time.

Captain Janse Van Rensburg noted that no other vehicle was involved in the accident. “Preliminary information indicates that the driver lost control of the vehicle,” she said.

Following the crash, the passenger could not immediately be located, prompting a search involving members of the SAPS K9 Unit and the Fire Department. At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 11 June, the body of a 43-year-old male was discovered in the vicinity of the crash scene.

The deceased has not yet been formally identified. A culpable homicide case has been opened by Kariega SAPS.

Captain Janse Van Rensburg encouraged anyone with information relating to either incident to urgently come forward and assist authorities.

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