Cold case: Police investigating 1965 hit-and-run that killed 9 young people

Mpumalanga police in Mmametlhake near Kwamhlanga are investigating a culpable homicide case that is 56 years old. On Wednesday, 9 June, a case was opened related to a horrific car accident that claimed nine young lives in 1965.

MPUMALANGA POLICE INVESTIGATING 1965 ACCIDENT

According to Mpumalanga South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, on 1 May 1965, 27 learners, aged between 18 and 19, from Nkotolane Primary School in Mmametlhake participated in a music competition in Pankop and won a trophy. Unfortunately, the day ended in tragedy.

“These learners were reportedly ferried in a truck and were dropped next to their school where parents were jubilantly waiting to receive them,” said Hlathi.

Police said the learners were disembarking the truck when a bakkie – travelling at high speed – appeared and plunged into them. Nine learners were killed in the collision and several more sustained serious injuries.

Hlathi said the injured learners were admitted to different hospitals in the vicinity and some of them remained there for more than two years. “All the victims are now pensioners and still have terrible scars in their bodies alleged to have been caused by the accident,” said the spokesperson.

Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide and failure to stop after an accident. Hlatih said the details about exactly happened on the day of the incident, as well as the whereabouts of the individual who was driving the bakkie are part of Mpumalanga SAPS’ probe.

SAPS are asking members of the public that may have information which could aid the investigation to step forward. A Mr Koos Engelbrecht has been fingered as an individual who may be able to shed light on the incident, as police believe he lived around the Nylstroom/Modimolle area in Limpopo at the time.

“[A]nyone who knows his whereabouts is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Solomon Moshime at 082-065-1355,” said Hlathi.

According to the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, the right to prosecute any offence expires after a period of 20 years from the time the offence was committed. There are, however, exceptions to the rule, including murder, rape, treason, or in this case culpable homicide.