The Durban bus driver accused of killing a toddler during a road-rage shooting incident at the weekend is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
He will appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on one charge of murder and two of attempted murder, Inspector Michael Read said.
Three-year-old Luyanda Khanyile was shot in the back during an argument between the driver of the Mynah bus and her father, Cedric Khanyile.
Read said the two men had an argument after the driver cut in front of Khanyile to pick up passengers in the other lane.
An argument ensued between the two at the intersection of Smith and Russell streets in the Durban city centre.
The bus driver allegedly pulled out his firearm and shot Khanyile, who was still in his car with his wife and daughter.
The bullet passed through his right hand and hit young Luyanda in the back. She had been sitting on her mother’s lap in the front seat.
Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the shooting to testify during the driver’s appearance.
”We hope this would strengthen the case and give us more information as to what exactly happened,” said Read.
The driver was arrested on Monday after allegedly fleeing the scene.
Police recovered his firearm from the scene.
Anyone with information regarding the case can call Tel: 031 325 4103 or 082 783 4760.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal safety minister Bheki Cele condemned the shooting.
He is due to visit the bereaved family on Wednesday afternoon at their home in Mayville, outside Durban. — Sapa