A PSL player is reportedly in custody after turning himself in following a car crash that killed a child and left two other people with injuries.
The player had earlier been reported to have fled the scene following the accident that happened in Tembisa on the East Rand, Guateng on Wednesday morning.
Reports say the player fled the scene after the car crash that killed a nine-year-old girl and left her mother injured, as well as a 13-year-old, who was also travelling in the car.
Ekurhuleni metro police spokesperson Thabiso Makgato said the incident happened on Andrew Mapheto Road, Tembisa while confirming that the children were being driven to school by the nine-year-old’s mother when their Hyundai Grand i10 collided with the footballer’s BMW.
What has been said about the fatal accident?
The younger child died on the spot while the other two were rushed to Tembisa hospital with serious injuries.
“It is alleged a 29-year-old driver, who is supposedly a soccer player, fled the scene after colliding with the motor vehicle,” Makgato said, as quoted by The Sowetan.
“It is alleged it is a soccer player [driving the BMW], based on the outcome of the verification of the driver’s license record. Until such time all investigations have been completed, the identity of the driver involved shall be determined.”
The police spokesperson also confirmed that the player’s car had four bottles of “potent alcohol named Don Julio” and other hard drugs.
Player handed himself to Rabie Ridge Police Station
“Powder, which we suspect could be cocaine, and weed [cannabis] edibles were also found in his vehicle. A case of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving and fleeing the scene of the accident has been opened,” she added.
However, by Wednesday evening, the footballer was reported to have turned himself into custody.
“The issue is that the guy was not on the scene when the metro police arrived. That is why I wouldn’t know his identity. But I have it on good authority that he has handed himself to the police,” an official told Soccer Laduma.
“Therefore, this is now a SAPS matter because that’s culpable homicide and therefore, it is a criminal offence. I am told that he has handed himself over at Rabie Ridge Police Station this afternoon.”
