Cape Town - A 70-year-old orchard farmer from Lutzville along the West Coast is expected to appear in court today for the attempted murder of a 6-yearold boy after he allegedly drove over the child for stealing oranges from his farm.
The incident on Friday afternoon resulted in complaints to the police by Billy Claasen of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation when the mother said that both of the child’s legs were broken.
“We take note of an incident whereby a 6-year-old boy allegedly took fruit from the orchard of a farmer from Lutzville.
“The farmer drove over the child. It is claimed that he saw the child and his mother next to the road near his farm and then drove over the child,” said Claasen.
“It is also alleged that the suspect told the police that he would do it again. The child and his mother were taken to Vredendal Hospital and have been transferred to Paarl Hospital. It was confirmed that both legs of the child were broken.”
Claasen said that while they did not condone theft, the actions of the farmer cannot be justified.
“Children must be protected and not hurt. This action by an adult needs more action from the police, as well as social development, as this is a serious crime against a child. We urge the authorities to put in place a plan to secure the safety of our children.”
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said Lutzville police opened an attempted murder case as well as a case of reckless and negligent driving.
“It is alleged that the child and his mother were walking along Station Road in Lutzville at about 12pm on Friday, when the 70-year-old driver of a vehicle pulling a trailer drove straight towards them, hit the boy and drove right over him.
“The boy sustained serious injuries and was transported to Vredendal Hospital, from where he was transferred to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
“The 70-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested on the mentioned charges and is scheduled to appear in the local magistrate’s court on Monday,” said Pojie.
Claasen said they welcomed the arrest.
“Law enforcement authorities should act against this aggressive behaviour, where violence is used against vulnerable people.
“The law should treat us all equally. We condemn this incident because violence against women and children has become rampant.
“Too many vulnerable children are hurt or killed. It’s a pandemic. We will mobilise the community of Lutzville to picket against bail at the Lutzville Magistrate’s Court on Monday (today).”
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus