A 30-year-old truck driver accused of mowing down two Cape Flats moms has been sent to Pollsmoor after being bust over the weekend.
The suspect, Innocent Machoba, 30, made his first appearance on culpable homicide charges at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
He is accused of killing Una O’Ryan, 55, and her son’s girlfriend, Andrewina London, 31, on Prince George Drive and then driving away from the scene.
The two moms, who will be laid to rest today, were declared dead in the street shortly after 10pm on 17 February.
Andrewina’s sister, Janice, 25, told the Daily Voice that the group of relatives were walking home to Montague’s Gift and crossed Prince George Drive at the Joe Marks Boulevard intersection when the truck driver jumped a red robot and hit the two women.
KILLED: Andrewina London, 31. Photo: SUPPLIED
Shortly after the incident, Steenberg police launched a manhunt for the driver who fled in the direction of Muizenberg.
According to a police source, a motorist travelling along Prince George Drive witnessed the incident and chased after the truck driver.
“He drove towards Ou Kaapse Weg where the witness lost him, but the witness got his registration number and reported it to police. He was tracked that way,” says the source.
Over the weekend, residents reported seeing the blue rubble truck parked at the Steenberg Police Station amid rumours that the driver had been caught.
SCENE: The horrific accident occurred on Prince George Drive. Photo: SUPPLIED
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirms the arrest and says: “A 30-year-old man was arrested on 23 February on a charge of culpable homicide and he appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on 25 February.”
Machoba appeared on Monday but due to a full court roll, the matter rolled over.
Una’s son, Reagan, 31, says the family is upset after only hearing about the arrest yesterday.
DECEASED: Una O’Ryan, 55. Photo: SUPPLIED
“The detective did not tell us that they found the driver or that they went to court on Monday, otherwise we would have gone there,” says Reagan.
“He told us the guy was arrested on Saturday and was in court and then sent to Pollsmoor Prison. We are now focusing on the funeral which will be held at the Christian Assembly Church (today).”