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Pupil (6) died in front of traffic officer

DISASTER: Thuto Itumeleng lies on Main Reef Road near Mohlakeng, Randfontein on the West Rand. District official Onkarabetse Mankuroane comforts Omphemetse Itumeleng and her mother Margaret , the boy's aunt . PHOTO: BAFANA MAHLANGU
DISASTER: Thuto Itumeleng lies on Main Reef Road near Mohlakeng, Randfontein on the West Rand. District official Onkarabetse Mankuroane comforts Omphemetse Itumeleng and her mother Margaret , the boy's aunt . PHOTO: BAFANA MAHLANGU

THE Randfontein local municipality has admitted that a traffic officer was present when a child was knocked over and killed by a car on Tuesday.

Thuto Itumeleng, 6, a grade one pupil at Sedimosang Primary School in Mohlakeng, West Rand, died after being hit by a bakkie as he was crossing the R28 on his way to school.

As a result of his death - the third one on the road following those of cousins Otsile Khobane who died in December and Donald Maine who was buried last week - angry community members blockaded the road, calling for the installation of a traffic light.

Spokesman for the municipality Philip Montshiwa confirmed that there was a traffic officer dispatched to the area, but could not give detailed answers how the accident happened.

Montshiwa also revealed that safety measures would be put in place in an effort to reduce fatalities on what residents now call "Killer Road".

"The provincial delegation went for an inspection (Wednesday) morning. Rumble strips will be provided and pedestrian crossings painted," he said.

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