A motorcycle taxi rider, commonly known as boda-boda, has been arrested for knocking a 6-year-old child, who later died, in Obbo Payam of Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State.
On 5 February, Kerim Isaac Okas knocked the child, who was later referred to Torit State Hospital. However, But the child's condition deteriorated, and he was further referred to Juba Teaching Hospital where he succumbed shortly after alighting from a commuter vehicle, officials said.
Lieutenant Adam Satiro Emmanuel, the police director in charge of accidents in Torit told Radio Tamazuj yesterday: “This person is now in Magwi police custody. He might be referred today to Torit. His name is Kerim Isaac Okas, 24 years old. He caused this accident in Obbo Payam in Magwi County. Our problem with drivers is that we always speak about speed. Most of these accidents to do with motorbikes or vehicles are all caused due to over speeding.”
He added, “Investigations will continue. After that, the relatives of the late child will see if they want the case to be forwarded. Then it will be given to the public prosecutor and will be arraigned in court. If they agree that they want to reach a solution, they can sit as a family and we will also refer it to the public prosecutor to finish the case.”
The state police spokesperson, Major Justine Kleopus Takuru, strongly urged parents to stop sending young children to the market alone to avoid such accidents.
He said the accident happened when the child was sent by the parent to a market nearby.
“We will repeat these 10 to 20 times. Boda-boda, please take care. People should not ride beyond the speed limit. If you move slowly or speed, you will still reach. First of all our roads are in bad condition,” Maj. Takuru advised. “Our people in counties, especially in Magwi, the traffic police should speak to these people. Don’t just allow a child to go to the market, especially seven years and below. This one, just six years old, was sent to the market alone and was knocked on the road.”
He advised boda-boda riders to avoid speeding within the town and respect all traffic rules at all times.