Family and friends of a young Grahamstown man killed in a hit and run incident in the early hours of Saturday 19 September are today gathered at their Currie Street home, less than 500 metres from where he died. Meanwhile, police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle later handed himself over.
Family and friends of a young Grahamstown man killed in a hit and run incident in the early hours of Saturday 19 September are today gathered at their Currie Street home, less than 500 metres from where he died. Meanwhile, police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle later handed himself over.
Ashlin Moolman, who celebrated his 21st birthday just over a month ago was killed and his friend Curt Cannon, a matric pupil at Graeme College, seriously injured when a vehicle travelling at high speed along Currie Street hit them around 4am this morning.
Grahamstown Crime Intelligence Office Milanda Coetzer said Ashlin had died at the scene and that a case of culpable homicide had been opened.
“The driver handed himself over to SAPS,” Coetzer said. The man is 30 years old, she said.
“The man was arrested but police are continuing the investigation.”
Members of the family this morning gathered at the Currie Street home of Ashlin’s parents Bobby and Ethel, where they shared warm memories of the young man who celebrated his 21st birthday less than two months ago. He leaves his parents, his younger brother Euan Cannon, sister Nicky Sias, and several cousins, aunts and uncles in the close-knit family.
Described as kind and well loved, Ashlin matriculated at Hoërskool PJ Olivier. He was working for Grahamstown company supplying home security systems.
Friends of both Ashlin and Curt stood outside the family home this morning, shocked and subdued. Family members had placed flowers at the place Ashlin died.
“Hy’t ‘n hart vol liefde gehad,” said one. ('He had a heart full of love.')
Bobby and Ethel were awoken by neighbours soon after 4am today and called to the place down the road where Ashlin and Curt lay on the grass. The neighbours had been awoken by a loud crash opposite their house.
Paramedics had responded quickly and were already at the scene.
Ethel, who is a nursing sister, said, “When I saw the straight line [on the paramedics’ heart monitor]I knew he was gone.”
Family quickly rallied in support. Bobby said Ashlin’s funeral will likely be next Saturday, 26 September, at the Apostolic Church in Albany Road.
Police said around 2pm today that Curt had recovered consciousness from an apparent concussion.
“He has a sore shoulder and is still very confused,” Coetzer said.
