Mom’s agony as child is crushed to death by refuse truck

She described her aunt’s health condition from a previous road accident and the family’s dire financial situation.

“My aunt had been hit by a car last year and still had metal fittings in her leg. Now she might never walk again. She did part-time jobs to help us get by. I only recently started working, but now I don’t know how we’ll manage.” 

Sandiswa said the truck’s reckless speeding is nothing new.

“Every week, we worry. These trucks always rush, like they’re running out of time. We usually make sure kids stay off the road when they are around.

“This road is far too narrow for a truck. We still don’t understand how this even happened.”

Ngxabi’s sister, Nomonde, said the waste contractor has approached the family and offered to cover the funeral costs.

“We are still waiting for answers,” Nomonde said.

Gauteng police confirmed that a case of culpable homicide is being investigated.

The City of Ekurhuleni issued a brief statement confirming that the waste truck involved in the fatal incident belongs to a private service provider contracted to its Waste Management Services department. 

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini had not responded to allegations about the waste trucks always speeding at the time of going to print. 

“We just want someone to be held accountable,” said Sandiswa.

“The least they [city] can do is to make sure no other family goes through this.” 

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