Driver charged after injuring four school children in Verulam
A 42-year-old man is expected to appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court this week after he was charged for reckless, negligent and drunken driving.
The man is alleged to have run over four schoolchildren on Tuesday. He then attempted to flee the scene.
Robert Netshiunda, a police spokesperson in KZN, said four minor children, aged seven and nine years, were knocked.
“They sustained mild injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention,” said Netshiunda.
According to reports by Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), witnesses said the man was driving a white Opel Corsa bakkie and lost control of the vehicle.
“He ploughed into a group of children, who were waiting to be fetched after school. Four learners, from Grade 1 to Grade 3, sustained moderate injuries and were taken privately to a local clinic. Two of the injured were twin sisters," said Prem Balram from Rusa.
“A witness contacted us for assistance at about 2.12pm. Officers were immediately dispatched and on arrival were informed that the driver fled on foot. Officers abandoned their vehicles, pursued him on foot and apprehended him a short distance away.
“Officers received information that the man discarded a firearm while fleeing. A search was conducted and a replica firearm was recovered in a nearby church yard. A half consumed bottle of brandy was also found in the vehicle. The bakkie was impounded."