STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: A local woman, Marcia Dames was left shaken after being struck by a Naledi Municipal refuse truck in the parking area near KFC in Market Street, Vryburg, on Wednesday, 8 October, at around 15:30.
According to Marcia, she was walking towards her vehicle when three municipal workers nearby were preparing refuse for collection. Moments later, the municipal truck drove directly towards her. Before she could move out of the way, the truck hit her, causing her to lose balance and fall. “The workers immediately came to help me up and asked if I was hurt,” Dames said.
“I was in shock and trembling.” When she confronted the driver, described as a tall, slender man, he allegedly responded rudely and dismissively. “I told him he almost killed me, but he just shouted at me and drove away,” she explained. After the incident, Dames returned to work, still in pain and shock. She then later went home. The following day, she reported the matter to the Vryburg Police Station and sought medical attention for the bruises and pain in her body.
The incident was also reported to the Naledi Local Municipality. Upon being informed of the matter, Naledi Municipal Manager immediately launched a thorough investigation and relieved the driver from his duties pending further action. The Municipal Manager also contacted Dames personally to apologise for the employee’s conduct. In an official statement, the Municipal Manager expressed regret over the incident, condemning the driver’s “rude and unprofessional behaviour,” and commended the municipal workers who assisted Dames at the scene.
“Their actions reflect the true spirit of the Batho Pele principles that Naledi Municipality upholds,” he said. Dames expressed appreciation for the Municipal Manager’s swift response and apology but added, “I believe the apology should also come from the driver himself.”
