Man claims cop's car hit him

2008-08-11 13:38

Oris Mnisi and Thandy Ndlovu

Bushbuckridge - Motor mechanic Abraham Klopper has accused a policeman of injuring him in a hit and run accident.

Klopper, 54, who lives and works in rural Hluvukani village near the Manyeleti game reserve in Mpumalanga, says he was struck down last month while walking on the roadside and can no longer walk properly.

"I was just returning from fixing a broken car at the JM filling station when I heard a police bakkie behind me. The next thing I was knocked down and the bakkie was gone," says Klopper, who works at Mithis' Tyre Change and Motor Spares.

He recognised the police inspector and says the cop arrived two days later offering him R50 for a consultation at Tintswalo Hospital.

He said doctors told him that he needed an X-ray, but he couldn't afford to go back to hospital.

"I'm starving now. I can no longer fix cars and I don't know where to go as I don't have any relatives around here," said Klopper.

He said he tried to report the matter at the Hluvukani satellite police station but was turned away.

"I need justice now, but I don't know where to go," said Klopper.

Klopper has no family. Both his parents died in 1975. His brothers also died and his wife died two years ago.

Constable Robert Makhubela said he was unaware of the incident and said Klopper must open a case at the station.

He said if it was found that Hluvukani police had turned Klopper away, disciplinary measures would be taken.

- African Eye