Cape Town – Condolences continued to pour in following the death of an 18-year-old girl, Tatum Hendricks, who died after being hit by an allegedly drunk and unlicensed driver in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town.
Hendricks was allegedly knocked with such impact that her body was flung on top of a roof.
The incident occurred on Sunday and Tatum Hendricks died in the hospital on Monday.
According to EWN, police confirmed on Tuesday that a 32-year-old man had since been arrested in connection with the death of Hendricks.
In a statement, Ward councillor Angus McKenzie said the alleged driver had stolen his father’s car.
“In Soetdoring Street, it is alleged he drove into a gate. Thereafter, the vehicle was heard revving and speeding down Bonteheuwel Avenue where it is believed he lost control of the vehicle, knocked a male individual and then Tatum and thereafter into two properties in Bluegum Avenue,” said McKenzie
He continued: “An unknown off-duty paramedic worked to keep her alive until emergency services arrived on scene. She was transported to hospitral along with the other pedestrian as well as the driver who needed to be cut out of the vehicle.”
He said that “the actions of the driver cannot go unpunished. This behaviour has caused great pain for the family, friends and greater community”.
Meanwhile, social media users expressed their sympathy, with Yumna Nordien writing: “My heart goes out to the family who lost their loved one yesterday Tatum Hendricks in an horrific accident of a DUI driver who flipped her with his car & she landed on a roof of a house in Bluegum street Bonteheuwel she was only 18yrs old & even though her fate was written what her family must be facing right now is so painful…”
According to IOL, the City said at least 127 drunk driving arrests were made last week, double the number of arrests made the previous week.
The City’s traffic services made 119 arrests – 105 for drunk driving and 14 for reckless and negligent driving.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
