By Salomé Kotzé
Klerksdorp Rekord, Klerksdorp - Residents of Klerksdorp are baying for the blood of the driver of the Mercedes Benz that crashed into another car on Sunday night October 13, killing everyone inside.
He then left the scene of the accident in another vehicle, only to report to the police two days later. Klerksdorp Record can disclose that the man who was behind the steering wheel of the speeding Benz, is indeed a practising attorney in Klerksdorp. He reported at the police station on Tuesday morning October 15 where a warning statement was taken informing him of his rights.
As to why “the suspect’’ was allowed to leave the accident scene, Brig Sabatha Mokgwabone, police spokesperson, said he left before the police arrived at the scene. “The police searched for the driver immediately afterwards but he could not be found. He handed himself over to police on Tuesday. Investigations into the matter are still underway and arrest can or will be effected subject to investigation outcomes.’’
Mokgwabone also confirmed that persons involved in an accident are only allowed to leave the scene if he/she needs urgent medical attention. “At this stage charges are being formulated and investigation is underway to determine why the suspect left the scene.’’
Earlier this week Klerksdorp Record reported that the Benz, that was left at the scene was taken into evidence by the police. On the scene, liquor bottles were discovered inside the vehicle and also booked into evidence. A photograph circulating on social media shows the driver behind the wheel after the accident with blood streaming down his face, supposedly from a head wound he sustained after hitting his head on the windscreen on point of impact. His passenger, said to be a Nigerian citizen, left the accident scene with him. Some people told Klerksdorp Record that it was in a Toyota Fortuner and others said the accused was spotted later returning to the scene in a dark blue Kia registered to an address in Adamayview, not far from where the accident happened.
Brig Mokgwabone confirmed that CCTV footage gathered from around the scene will form part of evidence that will be brought before court. “Culpable homicide are investigated, but we cannot rule out the possibility of other charges.’’
Some of the CCTV footage that Klerksdorp Record has seen shows the Mercedes Benz traveling very fast on the N12 in the direction of Stilfontein. The blue Renault Clio with the four young people, and a white Suzuki with only one driver, were turning into the intersection at Platan Avenue from the direction of Matlosana Mall when the Benz, crashed into the Renault causing it to go into a tailspin. The car then apparently knocked into the Suzuki causing the Renault to overturn before coming to a stop on its roof. The driver of the Suzuki escaped with no injuries.
Several people are under the impression that the driver of the Benz skipped a red traffic light, causing the crash. Klerksdorp Record was told that there is conflicting statements as to if the traffic lights were red or indeed green.
Brig Mokgwabone gave assurance to the community that the police are committed to thoroughly investigate this incident. He said a seasoned detective officer was appointed to investigate. Any person who may have information that can assist in the investigation, is requested to call Klerksdorp Branch Commander, Col JC Scholtz on 082 568 6264.
