Kazakhstan service center employee held after fatal Almaty-Khorgos hit-and-run

September 7, 2026 at 04:20 AM2 min

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A 26-year-old public service center employee was detained after a service car struck and killed a pensioner on the Almaty-Khorgos highway in August. The vehicle left the scene, and the suspect remains in custody in Taldykorgan. His relatives claim his supervisor was driving and asked him to take the blame.

Key Facts

A service car struck and killed a pensioner crossing the Almaty-Khorgos highway in August, then left the scene.
A 26-year-old public service center employee was detained and placed in custody in Taldykorgan.
The suspect's mother, Salamanat Azamatova, says her son told her his supervisor was driving and asked him to take responsibility.
An eyewitness said two or three men exited the car after it stopped about 80 meters from the collision.
The public service center says the employee took the car without permission and that it was under repair that day.

The Crash

In August, a service car struck a pensioner crossing the Almaty-Khorgos highway outside a designated crossing, killing her. The vehicle left the scene after the collision. An eyewitness said the car traveled about 80 meters before stopping and that two or three men got out. The witness added that three doors opened, though he was not completely certain of the number.

Driver Dispute

Investigators say a 26-year-old public service center employee was behind the wheel and detained him. His mother, Salamanat Azamatova, said he initially confessed but later told her his supervisor was driving and asked him to take the blame. Defense lawyer Gabit Omirbek said the suspect told investigators he was nearby during the crash and that his supervisor ordered him to leave the scene. Omirbek called for investigators to obtain all surveillance camera footage to trace the car's route that day. The public service center denies the supervisor was driving, saying the employee took the car without permission and that it was under repair.

Investigation Status

The suspect remains in a detention center in Taldykorgan while investigators conduct a range of actions to establish the circumstances and causes of the crash. The public service center said its management faced disciplinary action after the incident. If convicted, the suspect could face four to six years in prison.