TOT KILLED IN CAR CRASH

THE community of Bonteheuwel is reeling following the tragic passing of a toddler who died as a result of being knocked down by a car on Sunday evening.

Luke Peterson, four, who was known to be full of life, joyful and innocent, sadly passed away at a local day hospital after the accident at about 5.05pm in Blackberry Street.

The Daily Voice attempted to reach out to the family for comment, however our sources say that the minor’s mother has a problem with substance abuse.

At the time of the incident, the boy was living with his ouma.

The source revealed: “The mother doesn’t live in Bonteheuwel, she stays in Kensington and the child has been in the care of social services for almost all his life and has fetal alcohol syndrome.“

The person that knocked him wasn’t reckless, it was an absolute accident and at the time.

“He ought to be in the care of his granny and at the time his granny was drunk.”

Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) spokesperson Esther Lewis said: “The Department can confirm that the child was in familial foster care. We cannot comment on the specifics, or the allegations made [above.]“

Counselling support is available to the family, should they wish to access it.”Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the Bishop Lavis cops have registered a culpable homicide case for investigation.

Twigg reported: “Police members were called to the local day hospital where the body of the victim was pointed out by medical staff.

“According to reports the victim was hit by a vehicle and was transported to a medical facility for treatment where he was declared deceased on arrival at the medical facility.”

"The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet."

Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie said: “[Sunday evening,] tragedy struck our community in Bonteheuwel when little four-year-old Luke Peterson was knocked and sadly passed away in Blackberry Street.“

"This one hits very close to home — not only is the family personally known to me, but I have had the privilege of meeting Luke on numerous occasions.

"To see a young life, so full of joy and innocence, taken so soon is absolutely heartbreaking.”