Truck driver allegedly runs over sleeping man

Police in Westenburg are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a truck driver allegedly ran over a suspected vagrant who was reportedly sleeping under the parked vehicle at a truck stop opposite Nirvana shopping complex early Tuesday morning.
According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe, the driver of a Freightliner truck had parked his truck at the overnight venue frequented by long-distance drivers on Monday evening.
The victim, an unknown male, slept under the truck without alerting the driver, Ngoepe explained. He explained that the driver allegedly on Tuesday morning started the engine to warm it up as he was preparing for his journey. After a while he drove off not knowing that there was someone underneath the vehicle. The driver drove over the man who was asleep underneath the truck and the victim died on the scene, Ngoepe indicated. He further said the victim was estimated to have been in his 50s. Polokwane Observer was on the scene but the Police prevented the journalist from taking photographs.
Ngoepe concluded that Police were appealing to anyone who can assist in the identification of the deceased to contact the investigating officer on 079 975 2529, the crime stop number 086 001 0111 or report to the nearest Police Station.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za