Sekhukhune United soccer star will face trial for hit and run

Police say an athlete’s luxury car collided with another car in an accident that killed a toddler and injured another 13-year-old in Tembisa

The Sekhukhune United player who allegedly fled the scene of a horrific head-on collision on Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa on Wednesday is expected to appear in court in Tembisa on Thursday.

The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) said a 29-year-old driver collided with a car driven by a woman who was taking her two children to school.

Child killed

EMPD spokesman Thabiso Makgatho said the girl was traveling in a red Hyundai Grand i10 with her mother and a 13-year-old neighbor when they collided with the soccer star’s BMW M2.

A 9-year-old child died on the spot, while his mother and another child were injured in the accident.

In the dashcam footage seen by Citizenthe driver of a black BMW can be seen allegedly driving at high speed, swerving into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with a red Hyundai.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) player allegedly fled the scene but later turned himself in after police launched a manhunt for him.

“When Ekurhuleni Metro Police arrived at the scene, we found four bottles of strong alcohol called Don Julio. Powder we suspect may be “cocaine” and “edible herbs” was also found in his vehicle. A case has been opened for culpable homicide, recklessness, negligence and leaving the scene of an accident,” Makgatho said.

The accident comes a day after Sekhukhune United claimed a 2-0 victory over Richard’s Bay at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.

Football legend murdered

Last year, Cape Town soccer legend Lyle Johnson died after falling off his back in his city.

According to reports, Lyle was returning home when the accident occurred. Police said the 28-year-old was sitting in the back of the Bakie when he lost traction and fell

Witnesses claim that when Lyle fell onto the road, a taxi that was following very closely behind failed to brake in time and ran over the young sports star’s head, killing him instantly.

However, the taxi did not stop and drove away.

Additional reporting by Devina Haripersad