The Bonteheuwel community is still in shock after an unlicensed driver who allegedly stole his father’s car while drunk rammed into two pedestrians on Sunday October 9 after he lost control of the vehicle.
Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie, said the incident happened after 4pm.
He said the driver drove into the gate of a house in Soetdoring Street and thereafter residents heard the car revving and speeding down Bonteheuwel Avenue where it is believed he lost control of the car and knocked into a man and woman who were walking down Bluegum Avenue.
Tatum Hendricks, 18, was flung onto the roof of a house and was transported to Groote Schuur Hospital. She died from severe injuries at 2am on Monday October 10.
Mr McKenzie said that an unknown off duty paramedic worked to keep her alive at the scene until emergency services arrived.
“She was transported to hospital along with the other pedestrian as well as the driver who needed to be cut out of the vehicle. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and close friends. The actions of the driver cannot go unpunished. This behaviour has caused great pain for the family, friends and greater community,” he said.
Bishop Lavis police station spokeswoman, Sergeant Samantha Adonis, said that the driver of the car was admitted to hospital.
“In a case like this the driver would face a charge of culpable homicide as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving,” she said.