GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — During December, the Louw brothers of Asherville were walking home along Vygie Street after buying electricity, when they were hit by an out-of-control Avanza taxi.
According to the police, the Avanza allegedly hit a wall, and then knocked over the two children - 9-year-old Shaunathan and his brother Joshwill, who is 7.
Both of Joshwill’s legs were broken in the accident, as well as his right arm.
Shaunathan sustained injuries to his forehead and right leg, and well as many bruises. Joshwill was taken by ambulance to Livingstone Hospital in Port Elizabeth, and Shaunathan was treated at Midland Hospital.
Two weeks after the accident, on December 22, Joshwill was discharged from Livingstone Hospital, but there was no ambulance available to bring him home to Graaff-Reinet.
On December 23, his mother was asked to take him from the hospital as he had been discharged, which involved considerable expense for the family as there was still no ambulance available.
Nearly seven weeks later, Joshwill is still unable to walk, and Shaunathan still needs to use crutches.
The family is suffering financial hardship, and have been unable to afford the taxi fares to take the boys for treatment. Shaunathan had to walk, on crutches, to the day hospital.
Joshwill has had to miss his physiotherapy appointment this week as there is no money for transport, and he is unable to walk.
According to the boys’ grandparents, the driver of the taxi was taken to hospital in a private car to be treated for shock- to their knowledge, no blood sample was taken from him by the police.
They are not happy that the investigating officer has only been to see the family once - and also disappointed that their ward councillor never came to offer any support.
According to Brig Rudolph Adolph, the police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving against the taxi driver.
Once the investigation is complete, it will be referred to the senior public prosecutor for a decision.
Many members of the community have expressed their concerns about taxi drivers speeding, and indeed about the roadworthiness of some of the taxis. One community leader has appealed to the Traffic Department to become involved in the problem, by testing vehicles and educating drivers, before an even more serious accident happens.
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