CHAOS: Taxi burned out in Halt Road, Elsies River
Image: Salberau Neighbourhood Watch
HALT Road in Elsies River was in chaos Wednesday morning when a well-known community worker was knocked dead by a taxi after allegedly fleeing from robbers, and a group of upset residents allegedly set the taxi alight.
Videos of the scene made the rounds on social media and showed the woman lying at the scene. Moments later, the taxi was seen on fire.
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala confirmed they were aware of the incident, and a culpable homicide case is under investigation.
"This office confirms that Elsies River police attended a crime scene at Halt Road, Elsies River, where an adult female was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the road.
“She was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel.
“Police registered a case of culpable homicide for further investigation. The vehicle that was involved in the accident was set alight by unknown bystanders.
“The owner of the motor vehicle has not opened a case yet.”
An Elsies River community leader said: “The news came through on the crime groups that a lady was knocked down in Halt Road by 27th Avenue, around 6.30am in the morning, is when the message came through.
“An ambulance and police were on the scene, and the lady was declared deceased on the scene.
“The next moment, we saw smoke, and I made my way to the scene. On arrival, we saw the taxi was on fire, but more police were on the scene.
“Apparently, some thugs from the area came who were upset with the driver, the driver had to be escorted away by the police and... they set the taxi alight.”
Cape Times