Police have launched a hunt for two men, and possibly more accomplices, who ran over six children, killing a 13-year-old, while evading arrest after a hijacking on Monday evening.

Prem Balram of Reaction Unit SA (Rusa) said the incident occurred in Emaplanzini in Inanda, north of Durban, shortly after 6pm. 

“At approximately 6.07pm the tracking device on a 2013 silver Ford Figo Ambiente that was hijacked from Parlock in Newlands was activated and emitting signals in the Inanda area. Members of Rusa, Tracker and the Inanda police began honing in on the signal.”

Balram said the suspects sped off when they noticed a Tracker vehicle approaching them.

“They lost control of the hijacked vehicle and ran over six children who were standing on the side of the road before plummeting down a steep embankment. The Ford Figo landed on its side and was wedged between two houses. The suspects managed to get out of the vehicle and fled.”

Police spokesperson Capt Nqobile Gwala confirmed the incident and said the children were rushed to hospital for medical attention. He said a 13-year-old girl died in hospital.

“The other five are still in hospital. The suspects are being sought by police.”

Gwala said Inanda police were investigating charges of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.

TimesLIVE