Boy succumbs to internal injuries after being knocked down in Mitchell's Plain

A 6-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries in Mitchell’s Plain, on Thursday afternoon, following an incident in Portland.

The police’s Malcolm Pojie says the boy was hit by a vehicle near Wespoort Primary School

‘’Mitchell’s Plain police opened a Culpable Homicide docket for further investigation following an incident…at about 15:00. Preliminary information suggest that the kid was hit by a vehicle, driven by a 58-year-old female driver. The boy collapsed on the pavement after being hit and succumbed to internal injuries sustained,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie.

Pojie said investigations are underway

The Western Cape Education Department’s Bronagh Hammond says they have deployed psychologists to the school to assist with counselling.

Wespoort Primary school identified the boy as Grade 1 pupil, Arkash Okwan Mpayipheli.

Principal Malika Ismail-Meyer, in a school letter, urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time

‘’As a school community, we are devastated by the tragic death of our learner. We are a school and community in mourning. We ask that no false information be spread regarding the incident and we ask that you please respect the family and STOP circulating videos and images on social media.’’

Neighbouring school, Portland Primary, has urged parents to speak to their children regarding road safety. The school says it is aware of some learners running across the road and not using the pedestrian crossing.

Done by: Mitchum George