Hit-and-run accused faces additional charge after another teen dies
THE 39-YEAR-old man, Collin Nhlanga, accused of fatally hitting 16-year-old Omphile Mooketsi Jonas at the Seleke and Barkly Road intersection might face an additional charge of culpable homicide. This follows the death of 19-year-old Mikayla Boysen, who succumbed to her injuries in the hospital after Nhlanga collided with the back of the taxi she was travelling in, following the initial accident involving Jonas.
It is alleged that Nhlanga sped away from the accident scene in a white Toyota Navara bakkie after hitting Jonas. He then collided with the back of a taxi that was stopped at a red light a few kilometres down the street from the initial accident.
The taxi was transporting members of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) who had attended a youth conference in Kathu.
News of Booysen’s death broke just moments after Nhlanga appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The charges against Nhlanga currently include culpable homicide, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless and negligent driving, failing to stop at the accident scene, and contravening the Immigration Act.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said Nhlanga will remain in custody until his next appearance in court.
“A 19-year-old female occupant of the taxi that was allegedly hit by the accused on Sunday, June 30, 2024, has on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, died in hospital in Kimberley. The 39-year-old suspect appeared in the local magistrate’s court and the matter was postponed until Thursday, July 4, 2024, for an interpreter as the suspect is a Zimbabwean national. The accused remains in custody The investigation continues,” said Kock.
The president of the PA and newly appointed Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on Monday evening, visited party members who were hospitalised, including Booysen, following the accident
McKenzie on Tuesday informed his supporters on social media about the passing of Booysen.
“Mikayla is no more with us, she is with God ... That illegal foreigner that rammed into their kombi after speeding away from killing another child has broken us totally. We have lost big, mooi loop Mikayla, you wanted to become my bodyguard when I become a Minister, God selected you to be a guardian angel instead [sic],” McKenzie wrote.
Meanwhile, the president of Northern Cape Cricket, Thapelo January, extended the organisation's condolences to the family and friends of Jonas, who was a rising cricket star.
"Omphile was a left-arm spin bowler and a product of the Frank Roro Hub. He represented the Northern Cape in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Hub challenge that took place in George in March this year. His contribution to cricket will be sorely missed. Omphile was not just a mere cricket player, but an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His contribution on and off the field was invaluable and his absence will be deeply felt," wrote January.
