It’s been a week since a six-year-old boy from Mitchells Plain died after being hit by a truck, and no arrests have been made in his case yet.
The young boy, later identified as Zachary David, is said to have died after landing between the wheels of the delivery vehicle last Friday. Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed the incident, but added that “the exact circumstances of the incident are under investigation”.
“Upon arrival at the Crime Scene at about 09:30, they found the body of a six year old boy in the road who sustained multiple injuries. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel,” said Swartbooi.
A case of culpable homicide has since been registered, but no arrests have been made. Swartbooi confirmed that the driver of the delivery vehicle was not detained.
Community activist Veranique Williams described the tragedy as “very sad and devastating for the family”.
“I feel kids need more safe environments to play in our areas. Nowadays, we’re losing a lot of young people, whether it is gang violence or accidents.”
Lentegeur Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Michael Jacobs, confirmed Zachary’s identity and said both the victim and driver lived in New Woodlands.
Jacobs confirmed that Zachary was a learner at Springdale Primary School.
A memorial service was held in his honour on Wednesday.
He said the incident has shocked the community.
At the same time, he urged young people to be safe when making their way to and from school.
“We see on a daily basis, our young people jump on trucks when they come from school, down Eisleben [Road], and Highlands Drive, and it is very dangerous. So we want to caution learners not to jump onto trucks or any moving vehicle as it can become very dangerous, and in some cases, fatal,” said Jacobs.
He advised that the SAPS and CPF have offered counselling for the victim’s family, as well as the driver.
“We want to again express our condolences to the David’s family on the tragic passing of their son.”
