The community of Leonsdale, Elsies River, is mourning the death of a young girl who was killed by a speeding vehicle along Francie Van Zyl Drive on Tuesday.

The four-year-old girl, identified as Amy Bell, was being taken to crèche at the time of the incident. Ward councillor, Franchesca Walker, says a woman (walking the girl) and the girl were crossing a pedestrian crossing when a vehicle sped by.

“They were flung through the air with the speed, and little Amy Bell landed against the tree in the centre island.”

Walker said chaos ensued after when the driver jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the crèche where Amy was headed. She says community members descended on the scene, and held the man, awaiting the police.

According to police spokesperson, Frederick Van Wyk, Amy was declared deceased on the scene. The other woman sustained injuries as well, as is receiving treatment in hospital.

“Elsies Rivier police registered a culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving case following an accident on 2024-06-11 at Fransie van Zyl Drive, Leonsdale, Elsies River… Investigations continues.”

Speeding is an issue

Walker says the road has long been an issues, with motorists speeding and ignoring pedestrian crossings. There were traffic wardens stationed in the area, but were removed from the post. They were repeatedly robbed by gangsters, she says.

“I’ve resent emails to [the local traffic department] to see if we can reinstate a traffic warden again at the times when the kids come to school.  We’ve got two primary schools in that road… and the little ones that come to the crèche.”

Gangsterism is also a qualm the community has been dealing with for a long time. Walker says the community is aware of the culprits behind the smash-and-grabs and related activity, but refuses to stand up against them.

In an unrelated matter, the Elsies River Community Policing Forum have also called for increased police visibility in Leonsdale, after a 24-year-old woman was fatally shot last week and 4 males were wounded.