Case opened following water tanker death in Umbumbulu
The police said the victim was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
UMBUMBULU police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a 39-year-old man died after he was run over by an eThekwini Municipality water tanker at Nkanyisweni in Umbumbulu on August 2.
Also read: Watch: Water tanker runs over man and flees in Umbumbulu
The graphic video, which was widely shared online, shows community members surrounding the truck while it is on a rural gravel road. The truck reverses a bit, and a man jumps into the road in front of it, which then runs him over and comes to a stop over the body. As community members start screaming, the driver takes off and flees the scene, driving over the body.
In a statement, the police said the victim was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” read the statement.
According to a witness, Zothando Memela, the area has been supplied with water by tankers for months because no water comes out of the taps. She alleged that water tanker drivers tasked with supplying the community sell water to those willing to pay to have their jojo tanks filled.
“Community members were tired of this, and they confronted the driver,” said Memela.
eThekwini spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, said the municipality is co-operating fully with the police and has also initiated its own internal processes.
“As the matter is under investigation, the municipality is not in a position to comment on the circumstances that led to the incident,” said Mzila.
He further said that eThekwini mayor, Cyril Xaba, will meet with the deceased’s family later today (August 3).
Warning: This video contains graphic and disturbing content that may be upsetting to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
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