DURBAN - An alleged hitch-hiker was killed and a jaywalker was run over on the north coast of Durban in two separate road incidents on Sunday.
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram, said a hitch-hiker was killed on the N2 in the vicinity of Sibaya Casino while attempting to cross the road on Sunday morning.
“Passing motorists contacted Rusa at approximately 11.37am requesting assistance for the pedestrian. On arrival, reaction officers found paramedics from the provincial ambulance service examining the woman. She showed no signs of life and was declared deceased,” Balram said.
“It is alleged that the woman was hitch-hiking when she was run over by a white Mazda CX 5.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele confirmed that a 38-year-old woman was knocked by a vehicle on the N2 northbound.
“A case of culpable homicide was opened at Verulam police station for investigation,” Mbele said.
Meanwhile, a jaywalker was run over on the R102 between Verulam and Ottawa on Sunday morning.
Balram said a man was left seriously injured after he was run over on the southbound lane.
“At approximately 7.48am, a member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was on patrol when he noticed the man running back and forth on the busy road. Several vehicles avoided the jaywalker before he was run over by a white VW Polo. He sustained serious injuries in the accident,” Balram said.
He said Rusa paramedics stabilised the pedestrian before transporting him to a hospital by ambulance.
Balram added: “It was alleged that he had a mental illness however this could not be confirmed.”
The occupants of the VW Polo were not injured.
Earlier this month, the Automobile Association (AA) raised the issue of pedestrian accidents in South Africa: “When we hear of the high number of pedestrians who are killed annually in South Africa we must ask if sufficient provision is being made for this road user group on our roads? Are there adequate sidewalks for them to walk on, or are they forced onto the road surface with other vehicles?
“Are street lights always working to make them visible when they walk early in the morning or at night? Are there sufficient crossings and bridges for pedestrians to cross busy roads and highways, or are they forced to take chances that may, ultimately, lead to severe injuries or even death?” the AA asked.
Daily News