/ 23 October 2007

SA fan killed in London after watching World Cup final

A man was due to appear in court here Tuesday over the death of a South African rugby fan who was run over as he walked home after watching the World Cup final, officials said.

Hugh Morton (34) was run over in the early hours of Sunday, after watching South Africa beat England at a pub in Wimbledon, south-west London.

Jimmy Katende (28) was charged with causing death by driving without due care and attention while drunk, and was due to appear in Wimbledon magistrates’ court.

There was no indication that the crash was deliberate. Police said Morton was walking home at about 4.25am when he was knocked down, and died at the scene.

”He had been with one of his brothers at a pub in Wimbledon watching the rugby final, which South Africa won,” said a police spokesperson.

”Afterwards the brothers went their separate ways, and the collision occurred as Mr Morton walked home.”

Favourites South Africa beat defending champions England 15-6 in the rugby World Cup final at the Stade France in Paris. – Sapa-AFP