MOSSEL BAY NEWS - What began as an afternoon of play ended in heartbreak last week Wednesday, when a three-year-old girl, Okwenam Jakuja, was killed in a hit-and-run accident near her home in Mossel Bay.

Okwenam had been playing with a ball alongside her older sister, Olothando (4), when a taxi hit her at about 15:20 in Anda Street, KwaNonqaba, on 14 May.

The driver fled the scene.

Okwenam's father, Lumko Gogodla (40), a part-time worker who has lived in Mossel Bay for the past 14 years, told Mossel Bay Advertiser he was devastated.

Originally from the Eastern Cape, Gogodla has raised his daughters alone, while their mother remained back at home in Mthatha.

"I had two children; now I only have one," Gogodla said.

Neighbours described the time Okwenam was hit by a taxi as chaotic and horrifying.

An eyewitness told the Advertiser: "We saw the little girl lying in the road. Some of the community members started to assault the taxi driver, but he escaped."

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, confirmed that the driver had not yet been identified and police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Gogodla says he is struggling to process what happened. "I am traumatised. I don't sleep. My heart is sore."

Okwenam will be buried tomorrow, Saturday 24 May, in Mthatha.

KwaNonqaba Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Geoffrey Moos (044 606 5629). 

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