The young boy was apparently giving a friend a lift on his bicycle when they both fell off and he was hit and killed by a truck. His friend was not injured.
A 13-YEAR-old Galeshewe cyclist was killed in an accident involving a water distribution truck in Nobengula Street on Tuesday morning, at around 10am.
Vincent Kucher was killed when he was hit by the truck after falling off his bicycle.
Vincent’s mother, Kgomotso Kucher, said that her son was giving a friend, Botsile Fanel, 9, a lift on his bicycle at the time of the incident.
Botsile said that they fell off the bicycle and that he had tried to pull Vincent out of the way of the truck, but was unable to do so.
“Botsile was not injured. It appears as if they both fell off the bicycle when the truck approached them. Botsile tried to pull Vincent out of harm’s way but the water tanker was too fast for him,” said Kgomotso.
“Vincent did not go to school today (Tuesday) as their classes are on a rotational basis. He was attending Isago Primary School.”
Kgomotso added that she rushed to the accident scene after Botsile ran to tell her what had happened.
“Vincent was still breathing when I got there. His face was bleeding. His bicycle was still intact and was lying on the side of the road. His sisters are still at school and we have not yet informed them of his death.
“We will leave it in God’s hands, only he knows when our time on earth must come to an end.”
Police spokesperson Captain Bashoabile Kale said the Galeshewe police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
“The accident happened at around 10am. The boy was riding his bicycle on the edge of the road when he apparently slipped on the sand and collided into the truck that was distributing water in the area,” said Kale.
He added that the deceased sustained multiple fractures.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Sello Matsie said they visited the family to extend their condolences.
“It is a tragic incident. We would like to warn pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to drive with caution,” said Matsie.
