Police are searching for two taxi drivers who are accused of committing a hit-and-run incident in Cape Town.
According to reports, the victim, Lyle Johnson (28), a prominent soccer player hailing from Elsies River, tragically passed away in what is being described as a freak accident.
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The incident allegedly took place after Johnson fell off a bakkie and was subsequently run over by two taxi drivers who fled the scene. The police are actively investigating the case and seeking any leads that can aid in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As reported by IOL, Marius Swartz, the brother of Lyle Johnson, said that the accident occurred while Johnson was travelling with a work colleague near De La Rey Road in Parow.
‘They picked up something in Ravensmead, and one or two taxis driving behind them were pressuring to overtake them.
‘Like I heard it, the door then came loose and Lyle must have lost his balance and his grip and that is how it happened. He landed on the road and the taxi drove over him.
‘According to the doctors, Lyle passed away on the scene. The taxi drove over his head,’ Swartz said.
Expressing his grief, Swartz lamented how tragic it was that Johnson’s life was unexpectedly cut short. The accident happened just two days after his 28th birthday. He went on to mention that he had always been Johnson’s biggest supporter and took pride in the fact that Johnson had even travelled to Manchester, England with the school’s academy.
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk confirmed the incident, ‘According to reports, police were informed by personnel of a nearby hospital regarding an incident on Monday at about 12pm in De La Rey Road, Parow Industrial, where a 28-year-old man fell from a LDV and two taxis drove over him.’
Van Wyk added, ‘He was taken to the hospital by a private vehicle. It is alleged that the two taxis drove off from the scene.
‘A case of culpable homicide is under investigation, while an accident report has been registered at Ravensmead SAPS, no arrest made yet. Investigations continue.’
Our sincerest condolences to the family of Lyle Johnson
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Picture: Lyle Johnson / Facebook