Being struck by a vehicle that leaves the scene has become commonplace in Springs with the recent discovery of the bodies of two men, Ettienne van Tonder (29) on May 7 and Mark McGregor (37) on May 26.

Springs SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala says there has been a surge of hit-and-runs in Springs over the last two months and condemned the crimes.

Victim’s death haunts family

Van Tonder from Strubenvale was killed when a vehicle hit him on Ermelo Road while he was returning home in the early morning hours.

“This was a horrible, unforeseen death. Someone took a son from his mother, a husband from his wife, and a father from his daughter,” says Emerentia van Tonder, the victim’s sister.

“Someone took his life away from him without feeling any remorse. Our family want closure, and we cannot get that without an explanation. His death haunts us all.”

McGregor was killed on South Main Reef Road and the Paul Kruger highway crossing.

His family says McGregor’s passing was an unforgettable, painful and unfair death.

“He was a son, father, brother, and friend who was outgoing and loved life,” says Clinton McGregor, the victim’s brother.

Not reporting an accident is a crime

“We’ve had an increase in culpable homicide cases, some of which included hit-and-runs. However, we traced some of the vehicles involved in the crimes,” says Tshabalala.

He says motorists are trying to evade the consequences of being involved in an accident.

“If they fail to report it, that on its own is a crime. Every accident that occurs on a public road must be reported.”

To bring justice to the families and the perpetrators to book, the Springs SAPS appeals to the public to contact them on 011 365 5700 if anyone witnessed any of the incidents or could help with the investigation.

Hit-and-run accidents are classified as incidents where at least one person involved in the crash flees the scene before offering help or information to others involved. While they typically occur between two moving cars, they can involve pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, parked vehicles and other property.