What started as a typical Thursday morning in Zwide, Gqeberha, quickly turned into a tragic scene when a car veered off the road, struck a pedestrian, and crashed through a school fence.
The chaos left a man dead and a young child nursing minor injuries.
What Actually Happened?
The incident took place just before 7 a.m., at a busy intersection near Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive School — right where the R75 meets Johnson Road.
According to early reports, a maroon Renault Kwid was speeding through the area, heading from KwaDwesi toward Algoa Park, when the driver suddenly lost control.
The vehicle flipped, fatally hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk, and barreled through the school’s fence, causing panic in the surrounding area.
Who Was Injured?
A nine-year-old boy, believed to be close to the crash site, sustained minor injuries.
The driver of the Renault also walked away with minor wounds.
Thankfully, no schoolchildren inside the premises were hurt.
But the real heartbreak came with the loss of the pedestrian, a man estimated to be between 55 and 60 years old. Authorities confirmed he died on the spot from his injuries.
Details on the Pedestrian
While officials have yet to confirm his identity, police did share a description in hopes someone might recognize him.
He was dressed in a blue overall, matching shirt, a khaki jacket, and black safety boots.
Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the police spokesperson, urged anyone with information to come forward and help identify the deceased.
Investigation Underway
The South African Police Service in Kwazakele has opened a case of culpable homicide.
Investigators are currently looking into how exactly the driver lost control, and whether any other factors may have contributed to the deadly crash.
The Bigger Picture: Road Safety Concerns
This heartbreaking event raises once again the issue of road safety, especially near schools.
Residents are now calling for stronger measures — whether that’s more visible traffic patrols, speed bumps, or better fencing to protect school zones.