A water tanker driver employed by the eThekwini Municipality is facing a murder charge after allegedly running over and killing a young boy in Adams Mission, south of Durban, on Monday morning.
According to reports, the driver was accused by community members of selling water instead of delivering it freely during ongoing shortages in the area. He allegedly fled the scene while being pursued by residents and ran over the child in the process.
The incident happened in Ward 96, eMbumbulu. The municipality said it noted the incident with deep sadness and extended its condolences to the family, friends and community of the deceased.
The South African Police Service has opened a case and is investigating the circumstances. The municipality said it is cooperating fully with the police and has also started its own internal processes.
A municipal team has been deployed to Adams Mission to visit the affected family and offer support. The municipality has also appealed to the public not to share footage of the incident on social media out of respect for the family.