A Grade 6 meisie from Heideveld Primary School was killed after she was knocked over by a taxi.
Charmaine Dzvokora, 12, died instantly after she was struck by a white Toyota Quantum while heading to school on Tuesday morning.
It is believed that the girl was crossing Duinefontein Road in Heideveld when she was struck.
A taxi allegedly driving on the yellow lane hit her as she tried to cross the road.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said a case of culpable homicide is being investigated.
“[On Tuesday] morning at about 8.20am, a 12-year-old girl was fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident at Duinefontein Road, Heideveld when she was struck by a white Toyota Quantum,” says Van Wyk.
“A culpable homicide case was opened for investigation. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. No arrests have been made,” Van Wyk explains.
The Daily Voice visited the girl’s family at their home on Oliver Tambo Avenue in Tambo Village. However, they were too devastated to speak about Charmaine’s death and asked for privacy.
Heideveld Primary principal Rosdien Desai expressed his condolences to the family: “Charmaine will surely be missed by the staff and her classmates, who will be keeping her and the family in their prayers.”
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said that counselling has been provided to those at the school.
“Our condolences to the family, friends and the school community. Counselling support has been provided to the school,” she adds.
Elmarie Linde, a PR councillor from Heideveld, blamed haastige taxi drivers for the crash.
“I have requested law enforcement to be visible in peak hours to ensure pedestrians and especially our children are safe.
“This is yet another example of negligent driving. Taxis trying to get to their destination in a hurry, passing vehicles on the shoulder of the road are seen constantly,” Linde added.
Anyone with information about the accident can anonymously contact Manenberg SAPS at 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop 08600 10111.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za