The lives of innocent children are often put in jeopardy at the hands of unlicensed drivers who think that sitting behind the steering wheel of a car is a form of entertainment.
In the latest incident, 7-year-old Kiano Naidoo was knocked down by an allegedly intoxicated driver, also allegedly unlicensed, on the corner of Mustard Street. The incident unfolded last Saturday night, January 27, at around 8pm. The grade 2 learner was with relatives at the time the accident occurred. According to an eyewitness, emergency workers rushed to the scene and after stabilising the injured child, referred him to Kalafong Hospital for further treatment. Kiano's grandfather, Anand Naidoo, told the Laudium Sun that he had been at home, on Eason Street at the time, when he received the news from a frantic neighbour who urged him to rush to Mustard Street, as Kiano had been knocked and was seriously injured.
"When I arrived at the accident scene, my grandson was lying helplessly on the ground. I quickly called a local ambulance and Kiano was rushed to Kalafong Hospital," he said.
After spending four days receiving treatment, after being knocked down by the seemingly intoxicated driver, young Kiano was finally discharged from Kalafong Hospital.
Another eyewitness who pleaded for anonymity told the Laudium Sun that a certain 20-year-old male, known as Revaan had allegedly tried reversing his mother's VW Polo Vivo, while under the influence of alcohol. It is alleged that he apparently lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the unsuspecting child.
Kiano’s grandfather, Anand sadly related, “After being examined by doctors, it was confirmed that the vehicle damaged Kiano’s back and the boy will suffer long-term back pain.
“He is a bubbly child who used to run around and play soccer a lot but now every time he tries to play soccer with other kids, he will find it difficult to move. Now, he will find it difficult to play his favourite sport,” Anand added.
Kiano's grandmother, Sonia Naidoo, said that when the police arrived at the accident scene, “They told us that the driver doesn't have a valid driving license and will be charged for reckless driving and attempted murder.”
Sonia added that the police told her that the driver was being arrested and would appear at the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court. She said her family were shocked to see him driving around the day he was expected to appear in court.
No court case
Sonia said that when she and her family went to the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court the following Monday, January 29, they were surprised to see that there was no name of Revaan on the list of those who were supposed to appear in court on that particular date.
She said her husband went to enquire and was told that there was no case
"It seems like the cops are taking us for a fool. They told us to go to court meanwhile they knew that there was no case there," she exclaimed.
Sonia alleged that when her husband approached the driver's grandparent, Naren Naidoo, he was stunned when Naren told him that “accidents happen.”
“This is not a matter of ‘accidents happen’. This is about reckless driving. He was driving recklessly in Laudium and nothing has been done about it. What if my grandson had died after being knocked down?” she asked tearfully.
Sonia concluded that she wants to see Revaan in court for attempted murder. “We believe there are certain detectives who are closing cases after receiving bribes. We will not allow this to happen, in this case. If it means we have to get to Fikile Mbalula, then we will do it," concluded Sonia. Attempts to get hold of Revaan were futile.
Recovering after the accident: Kiano Naidoo (7).
Grandfather Anand Naidoo fears Kiano will suffer long-term back pain.
The accident scene on Mustard Street, Laudium where Kiano was hit by a motor vehicle.