Family desperate for information following hit-and-run
Scheepers was on his way to the local shop, when he was struck by a truck
For the past six years, Frederick Scheepers (62) has become a familiar sight on Geldenhuys Road, Putfontein, often walking to the local shop to buy daily essentials for his family.
On October 13 at around 18:30, another routine trip to buy sweets for his grandchildren turned to tragedy when he was struck by a truck that was allegedly speeding along the road.
According to Scheepers’ daughter, Lizelle Owen, an on-duty security officer, whom Frederick had befriended, alerted his wife Martie that there had been an accident.
“He told us that my dad was crossing the road when a truck allegedly struck him at high speed,” said Owen.
“The impact sent his body flying into the air and under the truck. According to the security guard, the driver only briefly stopped to move Scheepers’ body to the side of the road before driving off again.”
His family found his lifeless body next to the side of the road. He was declared dead on the scene.
“Our family has been ripped to pieces, my dad was a loving and giving person,” said Lizelle.
“He was at his happiest when he was able to treat his two grandchildren with a sweetie from the shop. They are especially devastated as they do not fully understand why their grandpa is not coming home.”
Biting back the tears, she said that the family is battling to come to grips with how Frederick had died.
“I cannot believe that anyone can simply drive away from the accident scene. We hope that the police will find the person responsible for leaving my dad, dead next to the road.”
A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Putfontein SAPS and CCTV from local properties is being reviewed.
Lerato Monyane, of the EMPD confirmed the incident stating that in cases where pedestrians are involved, the driver of the vehicle must stop and assess check the nature of injuries, call for medical assistance and wait at the scene for all emergency personnel to arrive.
Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to contact the CrimeStop toll-free hotline on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
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