FIFTY-SIX YEAR OLD CULPABLE HOMICIDE CASE PROBED

BY ERIC MATOME KGOMO
Mametlhake: The police in Siyabuswa are investigating a culpable homicide case occurred in 1965, following an accident that claimed lives of nine learners, leaving scores injured and hospitalized. According to Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, Mpumalanga Provincial Police Spokesperson, the victims who were involved in the accident were all scholars at Nkotolane Primary School in Mametlhake outside Siyabuswa in 1965.
“It was reported that on 1 May 1965, 27 learners, aged between 18 and 19 from Nkotolane Primary School were part of music competitions earlier in Pankop, where they scooped a trophy. These learners were reportedly ferried in a truck and were dropped next their school where parents were jubilantly waiting to receive them. Information at police disposal indicates that as they were busy alighting from the truck, a certain bakkie with two occupants appeared driving in a high speed and plunged into them resulting in some sustaining serious injuries whilst nine of them sadly died,” said Hlathi. He said the injured victims were then taken to nearest hospitals where some were admitted for a period of more than two years. “All the victims are now pensioners and still having terrible scars in their bodies alleged to have been caused by the accident,” Hlathi said. He indicated that details on what exactly transpired regarding the incident as well as the whereabouts of the driver of the bakkie remains part of the probe. “Police in this regard make a clarion call to members of the public with valuable information that can assist in this case to come forward. They also request Mr Koos Engelbrecht whom they believe can assist in this probe to urgently contact the police,” said Hlathi.
He said Engelbrecht is said to have been previously resided around Nylstroom/Modimolle in Limpopo Province and anyone who knows his whereabouts, is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Solomon Moshime at 082 065 1355 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential.