Police search for muni truck driver who killed Mankweng teen (15)
Police are still trying to locate the driver who fatally struck 15-year-old John Magoro with a municipal contractor's truck in Mankweng.
POLOKWANE – By Tuesday this week, police were still trying to locate the driver accused of fatally striking 15-year-old John Magoro with a municipal contractor’s truck while he was walking home from a debate session at Ditlalemeso Secondary School in Mankweng.
Magoro died on May 18 after being hit by a contractor’s tipper truck while attempting to cross the road near a fuel station. He was declared dead at the scene.
He was buried on Saturday, with funeral costs covered by the Polokwane Municipality.
Mayor John Mpe attended the funeral and visited the grieving family at their home in Unit F.
Also read: Mayor visits family after road project tragedy in Mankweng
Police trying to locate driver
The police launched a formal culpable homicide investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Although calls to Polokwane police spokesperson Colonel Stephen Thakeng went unanswered, sources close to the investigation claimed the investigating officer was expected to meet the driver, who had reportedly travelled elsewhere in the country, to obtain his statement.
Police are investigating how the heavy vehicle struck the learner, who was dressed in his school uniform at the time of the incident.
Mayor: ‘This is not a normal situation’
During his visit to the family, Mpe conveyed his condolences and described the incident as painful and devastating for the municipality and the community.
“We are profoundly saddened by what has happened. Any loss of life is a matter of serious concern to me as mayor and to the entire leadership of the municipality,” said Mpe.
He added that the municipality was treating the matter seriously because the vehicle involved belonged to a contractor appointed by the municipality.
“This is not a normal situation. We came here as the highest office of the municipality because we believe it is our responsibility to stand with the family during this painful time,” he said.
Independent investigations to follow
Mpe also confirmed that the Department of Employment and Labour and other relevant authorities would conduct independent investigations into the incident.
“We will cooperate fully and ensure that the necessary interventions are undertaken,” he said.
