A 29-year-old man died tragically after he was dragged for approximately 10 metres by a Durban Waste Services (DWS) waste removal truck on Douglas Saunders Road in Hambanathi, oThongathi, on Thursday.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said oThongathi police have opened a case of culpable homicide.
Netshiunda said reports indicate that the victim was outside his yard when he jumped onto the road.
“On Thursday, 30 October, on Douglas Saunders Road in Hambanathi, Tongaat, a 29-year-old man died, reportedly after jumping into a moving waste removal truck,” he said.
He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, said Netshiunda.
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said reaction officers were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival, discovered the man lying face down in a prone position.
“He bled extensively from injuries to his stomach and head.”
Balram said the man was dragged approximately 10 metres.
“The driver of a Mercedes Benz Axor bin truck belonging to Durban Waste Services (DWS) stated that he was collecting refuse bags when he saw the man sitting by the roadside.”
He said the driver was unaware that the pedestrian had entered the roadway.
“As he drove downhill, a bystander alerted him that someone was being dragged by his truck,” he stated.
According to Balram, the identity of the deceased has been established.
In 2022, a 40-year-old DSW employee died in an accident while working on a refuse collection truck in the Durban CBD.
Police said the incident occurred at 7am when the employee lost his balance and fell off the truck.
“The driver, who was not aware that his colleague was under the truck, reversed and drove over him.”
The man died at the scene and Durban Central police station opened a case of culpable homicide.
At the time of the incident, eThekwini Municipality confirmed the incident and described it as unfortunate.
“Our mayor has sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased,” said the municipality.
The city has been approached for comment.
karen.singh@inl.co.za
