An 18-year-old woman has died in hospital, two days after she was allegedly struck and dragged by a taxi near Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, north of Durban.
Sarah Govender sustained multiple injuries in the incident, which occurred at the corner of Canegate and Armstrong Avenue on Thursday morning, about 20 metres from the college where she was studying.
Her father, Seelan Govender, said she was walking towards the shopping mall with a friend at around 7am when she was allegedly hit by a speeding taxi and dragged for approximately 20 metres.
He said he had dropped her off at Star Aviation College at about 5.50am, and she and her friend decided to walk to the mall before their lectures began.
According to her father, the taxi driver eventually stopped, and he, Sarah’s friend and another woman who witnessed the incident helped transport her to Umhlanga Netcare Hospital, where her mother works.
Although Sarah was conscious while being taken to hospital, she had sustained serious injuries, including broken legs and ribs, as well as damage to her pelvis and internal organs.
She was later transferred to Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital, where she died at around 2am on Saturday.
Her mother, Jenny Govender, described her daughter as a determined young woman who had many dreams and ambitions.
Sarah had chosen to pursue a career in the aviation industry as an air hostess because she wanted to travel.
“She was very motivated, a go-getter who loved people. She made such an impact on people’s lives. She was a religious Christian who was caring and helpful,” her mother said.
Jenny said the family was struggling to come to terms with their loss, adding that Sarah had been looking forward to celebrating her birthday in November with a sleepover at home with her best friend.
She had also booked her driver’s licence test for December 15.
“We still feel numb and it has not sunk in that we have lost Sarah. We want justice. We don’t want this to happen to another person,” she said.
The tragedy has also affected Sarah’s older sister, Leeandra, who travelled to China a month ago to take up a teaching position. Jenny said the sisters shared a close bond and that Leeandra had to return home for her sister’s funeral.
Sarah’s grandfather, John Rambaran, remembered her as “a gem of a person”.
He said she was respectful and always had a radiant smile.
Sarah will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Based on reporting by IOL News