EVATON.- A 4-year-old girl from Evaton West is fighting for her life at Naledi-Nkanyezi Private Hospital in Sebokeng, after being hit by a minibus on Saturday.

The incident has sparked outrage following claims that the vehicle belongs to Gauteng’s Crime Safety Wardens (Amapanyaza) and was on the road with an expired licence.

Reports indicate that the vehicle’s licence disc expired on August 31, 2024.

The DA in Gauteng demands that Premier Panyaza Lesufi be held accountable as the political head of the Department of Community Safety.

“It is a disgrace that a department tasked with safety and law enforcement is breaking the law. This level of incompetence must be addressed, and action must be taken against the implicated officials.”

The party said that, furthermore, Amapanyaza were meant to be disbanded, raising serious questions about why this unit is still operating at all.

“If this vehicle was allowed to operate illegally, the DA will be asking how many other Amapanyaza vehicles remain on the road, potentially also with expired licence discs. The DA wishes the child a speedy recovery and will be engaging with her parents on this issue to ensure justice.”

Police spokesperson, Constable Thulisile Msibi confirmed the crash and said that they are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving which happened on Saturday, January 24, at about 18:30.

“The police attended a scene of accident with injuries at Evaton West Ext2. Upon their arrival, they found a marked crime prevention wardens bus. The driver explained that he was driving a marked crime prevention wardens bus at Evaton west when he bumped over a child aged 4 years. The child was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. A case of reckless and negligence driving is opened at Evaton Police Station and under investigation,” Msibi said.

The provincial government has yet to release a formal statement regarding the legal status of the vehicle.