After it was initially reported that Saturday afternoon’s hit-and-run victim was a seven-year-old child, police have now confirmed that she was in fact five.
According to Jan-Henk van Vuuren, spokesperson for WATCO Emergency Services, paramedics responded to the call-out, but the little girl was declared dead at the scene.
BREAKING NEWS: Seven-year-old killed in hit and run
It was believed a truck hit the child near Charles Town, and fled the scene in the direction of Newcastle.
Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications and Liaison Officer, Captain Jabulani Ncube confirmed the hit-and-run, and said the matter was under official investigation by the police.
He added her body had been discovered by a traffic officer on duty.
The driver of the truck has not yet been identified, but a case of culpable homicide has been opened against him.
“As kids get older, they’re anxious for a little more freedom when walking to school or playing outside, but this is also a time when parents need to stress the importance of the things big children should do to stay safe,” said Capt. Ncube.
Here are the SAPS safety tips to help keep children safe when crossing a busy road:
“Children under 10 years old should cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but mentally it can be hard for children to judge the speed and distance of cars.”
Talk to your children about how to be safe and aware while walking.
Inform them of the importance of looking right, left and right again, when crossing the road.
“Teach them to never run or dart out into the street or cross from between parked cars. Remind children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them, and to watch out for cars that are turning or backing up.”
It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths; if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far from the edge of the road as possible.
Cross streets at street corners, using pedestrian crossings and traffic signals.
Most incidents occur mid-block or someplace other than at intersections, Ncube concluded.
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