Sabrina Martin, a Bishop Lavis neighbourhood watch member, was on patrol duty with four other residents near a local shop on 4 November when, at around 10pm, a 21-year-old driver of a Nissan NP200 LDV lost control and crashed into the front of the shop where the patrollers were stationed.
Emergency services responded to the scene, where Sabrina Martin was found to have succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased. The driver of the Nissan was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
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This incident adds to the ongoing concerns regarding drunk driving in the area.
According to Alderman JP Smith, the city’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, reports indicate that in the past week alone, traffic officers arrested 81 motorists for driving under the influence.
In light of this event, the directorate has expressed its intention to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in its efforts to investigate and address such incidents. They have also stated their commitment to assisting the families of the affected patrollers.
Alderman Smith posted the following message on social media: