The Mitchell's Plain community and the family of Angelo 'Elo' Adams, 35, are hosting a series of memorial services this week following a horrific multi-vehicle crash on Eisleben Road.
The father of four was killed on Wednesday afternoon, November 19, while reportedly on his way to start a late shift when an alleged speeding BMW collided with oncoming traffic, setting off a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles ("11 injured and man, 30, killed in Woodlands car crash" Plainsman November 20).
According to the Daily Voice, Angelo's mother, Sarah Adams, is devastated by the loss of her son.
Videos and images shared widely on social media and local crime groups captured the scale of the collision. A gruesome video showed the aftermath of the crash, with Angelo’s body split in two from the waist, lying metres apart, while emergency responders attended to the injured.
Angelo, also known locally as Rasta, was described online as gentle and well-liked and has been widely mourned on social media.
Lentegeur police spokesperson Constable Navon Van Houten said a case of culpable homicide and reckless or negligent driving has been opened.
The BMW hit a number of cars, including a red Suzuki, a white Nissan NP200, a white Renault Tribe, and a silver Toyota Runx.
The driver of a BMW sustained head injuries, while a woman, reportedly the driver's mother, suffered a right arm injury. Two children, aged 7 and 10, both sustained head injuries.
The driver of the red Suzuki, a man, reported injuries to his right arm, hand, ribs, and head. The driver of the white Nissan NP200 complained of lower back and chest injuries.
The woman driving the white Renault Tribe sustained a back injury and was bleeding from the mouth, while three teen passengers suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the silver Toyota RunX reported minor injuries.
The BMW that allegedly hit the man was later booked at Bellville South police station.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which highlights the dangers on this stretch of road, Constable Van Houten said.
Widespread rumours on social media indicated that the driver of the BMW had allegedly had an epileptic fit, but it could not be confirmed by the Plainsman due to patient confidentiality.
However, Samantha Lee-Jacobs, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Health and Wellness for the Klipfontein Mitchell’s Plain substructure, confirmed the driver was treated at Mitchell’s Plain Community Health Centre for injuries sustained in the accident and was discharged after treatment.
Despite several attempts by the Plainsman to contact them, neither the driver nor the woman, suspected to be the driver's mother, had responded.
Kevin Jacobs, Traffic Services spokesperson, confirmed that the crash was reported at 3.36pm on Wednesday, November 19, at Eisleben Road and Eros Way, Woodlands, Mitchell’s Plain.
Five vehicles were involved, resulting in 11 injuries.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, provincial police spokesperson, said the collision occurred when one of the vehicles, the BMW, collided with oncoming traffic.
Raafiqah Ganger, chairperson of the Sector 4 sub-forum, which covers Woodlands, Harmony Village, and Morgan Village, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and all those injured.
Michael Jacobs, chairperson of the Lentegeur CPF, called on police to expedite the investigation.
“If there is any proof of negligence or unsafe driving, the person responsible must be held accountable. We express our sincere condolences to the family and all affected by this tragedy,” he said.
A memorial service for Angelo Adams will take place today, Wednesday, November 26, at 31 Protea Street, Lentegeur, at 6.30 pm. Attendees are asked to bring a white balloon and a candle in his honour.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application to report anonymously.