EKURHULENI - The sudden, violent killing of a teenager during a coming-of-age ceremony in Katlehong has left several families to contend with the reasons for this tragedy.
15-year-old Pretty Mahlangu was killed after being hit with a car driven by a resident of the area.
Mahlangu was in the area because she was part of her friend's umhlonyane, a traditional coming-of-age celebration for Zulu girls.
In CCTV footage, a car that appears to slow down on seeing children performing traditional dances in the street then continues moving forward.
The vehicle hits the group, killing 15-year-old Mahlangu. Mahlangu’s mother was also present.
Comments made by the driver earlier in the day make her and others believe it was racially motivated, an intolerance of others’ way of life.
Margaret Dlamini, the mother of the child, said, "We were marching in the street. As we turned back with the children, she came driving by. She made comments in Afrikaans, and threw in the word ‘naked’, as if she was saying the children were not dressed.”
Neighbours had been informed about the ceremony, and the times it would be taking place.
In a double-blow of devastation, the grandmother of the celebrating teen, says she's been left shattered, believing she was the cause of the tragedy.
The family's grief has been aggravated by confusion around the investigation.
The suspect was expected to make her first court appearance after being granted bail.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Dimakatso Nevuhulwi said, "A case of culpable homicide was opened on Saturday, 28 June 2025, when a 13-year-old was hit by a car and died at the hospital."
"A 68-year-old woman who was driving was arrested on 02 July 2025 and was released on bail of R5000.00 by the prosecutor."
"She was expected to appear before Germiston Magistrate's court today, and the matter was not placed on the court roll to allow the police time to complete the investigations. Due to the sensitivity of the case, the Branch Commander at Colonel level will be leading the investigations. At the moment a case of culpable homicide is investigated and only the court has a prerogative to change a charge."
It's not yet clear when the 68-year-old will appear in court.