Residents of Pienaar barricaded a road in protest against speeding motorists after a nine-year-old girl was killed by a car, Mpumalanga police said on Thursday.
“The situation is still tense but a large number of police officers are patrolling the area to avert any violent action. We strongly advise motorists to use alternative routes as they might be harmed,” said Lt-Col Ronnie Sikhonde.
The child was crossing Luphisa road to Maminza Primary School on Wednesday around 7am, when a passing car knocked her down. She was certified dead on the scene.
“The incident infuriated the residents who dug big holes and burnt tyres on the road. They demanded an end to what they called a high level of pedestrian accidents, allegedly caused by speeding,” said Sikhonde.
The barricaded road was mainly used by people travelling between Pienaar and several villages and towns including Mbombela, Ka-Bokweni and Phakame.
A case of culpable homicide had been opened for investigation. No arrests were made. -
Sapa