Saturday classes at Lenasia South Secondary turned to tragedy as 4 learners were mowed down by a motorist who lost control of his speeding vehicle around 4pm on 6 June at the intersections of Sheffield Road and Lancaster Street, Lenasia South.
JMPD (Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson, Xolai Fihla told GLOBE POST: “Tragically, one of the teenage pedestrians sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. Her body was removed to the Sebokeng Mortuary. The remaining three pedestrians sustained serious injuries and were treated by emergency services on-site before being transported to various nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.”
Residents at the scene identified the deceased as 17-year-old Tinyoko Nomthandazo Vilakazi, a Grade 12 learner at Lenasia South Secondary School.
Fihla confirmed that according to preliminary reports from the scene, it’s alleged that a silver BMW was travelling northbound on Sheffield Road. The driver, an adult male, reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and collide with four female pedestrians, all estimated to be approximately 17-years of age.
While community members alleged that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, the JMPD has refuted these claims: “Officers who attended the accident, reported that it was not indicated that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.”
Fihla added: “A case docket of culpable homicide will be formally registered and investigated at the Lenasia South African Police Service (SAPS) station to determine the exact cause of the crash.”
At time of publishing, this newspaper was waiting on a statement from the Gauteng Department of Education. The deceased family declined to comment as they struggle to cope with this huge loss to their family.
GLOBE POST joins the JMPD in extending its deepest condolences to the Vilakazi family and loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured individuals. Together, we appeal to all motorists to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe speeds, and remain vigilant of pedestrians on our roads.
Report negligent driving JMPD: (011) 375 5911 or 080 872 3342
