Hartswater police probe fatal vehicle accident involving 11-year-old girl

A GRADE 6 pupil, Susan Tsubane, 11, was killed in a motor vehicle accident while reportedly going to fetch water from a leaking pipe near a main road in Hartswater.

A family member, Ishmael Matlapeng, said Susan’s twin was devastated by her sister's death.

“We will bury her this weekend. Her fellow pupils at Motswaledi Primary School were unable to concentrate following the incident," he added.

Matlapeng explained that Susan had gone to fill a four-litre water container, as residents in the Nkandla settlement did not have access to running water.

“Children are often sent to cross the busy street to collect water,” he said.

He expressed frustration that no one had been held responsible for her death, claiming that the driver of the Isuzu bakkie that allegedly collided with her had not been arrested.

He alleged that the driver was travelling at high speed in a residential area.

“It appears as if he is getting special treatment and was not tested for driving under the influence. Community members pelted the vehicle with stones when he tried to flee the scene,” Matlapeng said.

He added that Susan suffered serious injuries, including a broken neck and leg.

Police investigation

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock confirmed that the Hartswater police were investigating a culpable homicide case after an 11-year-old girl was fatally injured in an accident on September 3 at approximately 5pm.

“The bakkie allegedly collided with the pedestrian near Nkandla and the Hartswater dumping site in DF Malan Street. Sadly, the girl was declared deceased on the scene. The adult male driver was found at the accident scene by the police,” Kock said.

He appealed to anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Lloyd Matonyane on 083 244 2709, or call SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.

“All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” he added.

Municipality responds

Phokwane Municipality spokesperson Kgalalelo Letshabo said the mayor and ward councillor had visited the bereaved family to offer condolences.

“Contrary to initial reports that the child was on her way to fetch water, the information at our disposal indicates that she was playing with other children. They were splashing each other with water from buckets as part of Springtime activities when the unfortunate incident occurred,” said Letshabo.

She stated that Nkandla was a formal settlement with access to communal water taps and JoJo tanks.

“This is to ensure that water is readily accessible within the community. Therefore, it is unlikely that children would have to leave the area to collect water elsewhere.”

Letshabo added that the family had requested assistance with the burial arrangements.

“The availability of such support will be determined by available resources. The municipality stands in solidarity with the family and the entire community during this time of profound grief. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with all those affected by this tragedy,” she said.