A municipal water tanker driver is facing a murder charge after allegedly running over and killing a young boy while fleeing from angry residents in Adams Mission, south of Durban.
According to reports, community members had confronted the driver, accusing him of selling water while the area had endured weeks without a reliable water supply. As tensions escalated, the driver allegedly attempted to escape the crowd.
A widely circulated video of the incident appears to show the tanker driving directly toward the boy, who was fatally struck. The driver reportedly fled the scene after the incident. Police have since opened a murder case, and investigations are ongoing.
In a statement, the eThekwini Municipality said it was deeply saddened by the fatal incident involving one of its municipal water tankers in Ward 96, eMbumbulu.
“The Municipality notes with deep sadness the fatal incident involving a municipal water tanker in Ward 96, eMbumbulu, this morning. One person lost their life in the incident. We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and the community of the deceased,” the statement read.
The municipality confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the South African Police Service and has launched its own internal investigation. It said it would not comment further on the circumstances surrounding the incident while investigations are underway.
A municipal team has been dispatched to Adams Mission to support the bereaved family.
The municipality also appealed to members of the public to refrain from sharing graphic footage of the incident on social media, urging residents to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of the grieving family.
