THE police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a five-year-old learner from Orissa Primary School in Isipingo was knocked down by a vehicle outside the school gate on February 24.

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What has been apparent since the incident happened is the differing versions between the police and the KZN Department of Education (KZNDOE) about what transpired after Phiwokuhle Qophelo Nzuza had been knocked by the car.

Isipingo Police Station’s communications officer, Constable Donald Naidoo, said after the police were alerted about the incident, they proceeded to the school where they found the learner lying in an office.

“Unfortunately, the learner had passed on due to his injuries. Emergency services were called out to the scene and they declared the child deceased,” said Naidoo.

The driver handed himself to the police at the scene and was taken to the Isipingo Police Station where he was processed.

However, KZNDOE’s spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said after the incident occurred, the school contacted the parents, ambulance services, and the police immediately.

“Two teachers also rushed the learner to the hospital in one of their private vehicles where the paramedics later certified the learner as deceased,” said Mahlambi.

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According to a public statement made by the child’s father Sphamandla Shozi, the child’s mother received a call around 13:15, asking her to go to an Isipingo hospital as her son had been hit by a car. He said 15 minutes later, another call was received, telling them to come to school, not the hospital.

“When we arrived there were police and we were taken into one of the rooms and were told our son had died. They said a learner-transporting car had reversed into him outside the school gate. We cried and after composing ourselves, we asked to see him. We were taken to an office where he lay covered in a black cloth. I uncovered him but I could not see any injuries but a minor scratch on the arm,” said Shozi.

He asked why the child was not rushed to the hospital which is less than 3km from the school as everyone agreed that the child was still alive when he was carried into the school.

Constable Naidoo asked the community for assistance in gathering information about what happened. Anyone who can assist police with the investigation can contact either the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer D. Naidoo, on 072 244 4473, Constable Donald Naidoo on 082 411 6351, or Crime Stop on 08600 10 111.

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