Hit-and-run suspect hands himself over

AN ANC Francis Baard Regional Executive Committee (REC) member apparently handed himself over to police at the Barkly West police station yesterday after allegedly being involved in a hitand-run accident.

The pedestrian, who was killed during the incident, was walking in Pike Street in Mataleng when the accident took place on Saturday, between nine and 10pm.

Eyewitnesses stated that they saw the pedestrian being flung into the air after being struck by a speeding car and that he landed on the other side of the road.

“The window of the car was damaged in the process.”

Neighbours of the deceased, Thabang Alfonso, believe that he must have been walking home at the time of the accident.

They claimed that the suspect was receiving special treatment.

“Apart from being employed in odd jobs, he (Alfonso) was unemployed. The community is unhappy that the suspect is receiving special treatment, where he was not even arrested.

“It looks like if you are poor, then your life does not matter. The deceased’s mother is in such a state. She keeps calling for Thabang and has not slept since receiving the news of his death.”

Police spokesperson, Captain Olebogeng Tawana, said that the Barkly West police were investigating a case of culpable homicide after a man was hit by a motor vehicle in a street in Mataleng.

“The suspect handed himself over to the police after falling to stop during the accident. The investigation continues,” said Tawana.

The spokesperson for the ANC REC in the Frances Baard region, Ali Ditemet said they will provide feedback once they have received a full brief on the matter.

The spokesperson for the ANC in the Province, Naledi Gaosekwe, was not aware of the incident.

“We cannot confirm or deny the incident.”