A Flats woman was crushed to death by a MyCiti bus – while she was standing on a pavement.
It is alleged the tail-end of the concertina bus caught Sybil Williams, 64, as it was turning, causing her to fall.
Her head was crushed under the bus’ wheels.
Now her daughter, Lesley-Ann Williams, 32, is asking for witnesses to come forward, after police suggested her mother may have walked into the bus on purpose.
Lesley Ann says her mother was on her way home when the city’s new rapid service bus struck her on Friday, July 1.
“She went to Woodstock that morning to pick up her spectacles,” says Lesley-Ann
“We were told as she was about to cross the corner of Main and Barron Road, she waited on the pavement for the bus to pass, which was driving to the depot.
“People who were at the scene says my mother was on the sidewalk and the bus drove onto the pavement when it went over her.
“We were also told that the driver carried on driving and had to be stopped by people in the road, who wanted to assault him.
“When he eventually stopped he got out laughing and said that he felt the bus drive over something but he didn’t know what it was.
Lesley- Ann says police later told her her mother may have walked into the bus and that that had caused her death.
“She was a very careful person. They’re making it sound like she intentionally wanted to take her own life,” she says holding back her tears. “My mother was a very loving person, we were very tight.”
She says her mother had just turned 64 on June 27.
“We just want answers so we can know what really happened,” she adds.
“We’re asking any witnesses to contact us or the police.”
Spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Kylie Hatton says the bus driver is employed by Golden Arrow Bus Services.
“We are aware of the incident, the City immediately sent a staff member to the scene.”
The driver, who also received counselling, has since been “removed from service” to allow police to continue with their investigation.
Warrant Officer November Filander says a case of culpable homicide is being investigated.
* This article was published in the Daily Voice on p7