Bonteheuwel — A 15‑year‑old girl who was struck by a vehicle in Bonteheuwel last week has been discharged from hospital and is now recuperating at home, the community was told on Monday.
Community member followed suspect to police station
The teenager, identified as Zeenat (Xena) Jansen, was knocked down on Jakkalsvlei Avenue on Thursday afternoon. According to reporting, a local driver, Thabo Nong, witnessed the collision and followed the car after the driver failed to stop.
“The girl was hit right in front of my eyes. The driver basically drove over her afterwards. When I saw the car not stopping, I followed her. I flashed my lights at her, but she refused to stop,” Nong said.
He said the driver eventually drove to the Bonteheuwel police station and handed herself in. Nong told Daily Voice he later contacted local ward councillor Angus McKenzie after seeing the councillor’s Facebook post about the incident.
Police opened reckless and negligent driving case
Western Cape police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed the matter is under investigation. Bishop Lavis SAPS has opened a reckless and negligent driving case following the incident, which occurred on Thursday, 3 September.
Councillor McKenzie visited Jansen at home over the weekend and said she was “recuperating well”. He appealed to residents to respect the family’s privacy as she continues her recovery.
“Once again, God shows us that He is real, and He is faithful. After the devastating hit‑and‑run incident that left so many of us fearing the worst, we can now give God thanks that Zeenat is home, discharged from hospital, and recuperating well,” McKenzie wrote.
What happened, according to witnesses
- The collision took place on Jakkalsvlei Avenue in Bonteheuwel on Thursday afternoon.
- A driver did not stop at the scene; a witness, Thabo Nong, followed the vehicle and later accompanied the driver to Bonteheuwel police station.
- Bishop Lavis SAPS opened a reckless and negligent driving case on 3 September and the incident remains under investigation.
Residents and local leaders have been paying close attention to the case. The swift action of a nearby driver and the subsequent turn to police have been highlighted by the community as critical in ensuring there was a formal investigation into what was described as a hit‑and‑run.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 3 September | Collision on Jakkalsvlei Avenue; Bishop Lavis SAPS opened a reckless and negligent driving case. |
| Last week | Jansen was treated in hospital following the incident; details of injuries were not published. |
| This weekend | Jansen was discharged and visited at home by Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie. |
What we know and what remains unknown
The available reporting confirms the key facts: the collision occurred in Bonteheuwel, a witness followed the vehicle that failed to stop, the driver subsequently presented herself to police, and Bishop Lavis SAPS has lodged a reckless and negligent driving case. What has not been disclosed publicly are the precise nature and extent of Jansen’s injuries, whether any charges have yet been formally preferred, and the details police will rely on as the investigation proceeds.
For families and road users in the area this incident is a reminder of the dangers pedestrians face and the importance of bystander action and reporting. Police investigations can take time, and community members who witnessed the collision but have not yet spoken to investigators should approach Bishop Lavis SAPS to offer any information that may assist the case.
The Western Cape community will watch how the matter progresses through the police process. For now, neighbours and leaders have rallied around the family while they give the 15‑year‑old space to recover.
Safety contacts: Anyone with information that could assist Bishop Lavis SAPS with the investigation can contact their local station. If you witnessed the incident and have not yet spoken to police, consider doing so to ensure the investigation has all available evidence.
