Neesha Maharaj|Published
Sarah Govender, 18, died in hospital two days after she was allegedly knocked and then dragged by a taxi while walking near Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga.
The incident happened about 20 metres from her college in Umhlanga on Thursday.
She sustained broken legs and ribs, and damage to her pelvis and other organs.
Govender died in hospital on Saturday.
Her father, Seelan Govender, of Trenance Manor, said Govender was walking towards the shopping mall with her friend at about 7am on Thursday when she was allegedly struck by a taxi and dragged for 20 metres.
The incident occurred at the corner of Canegate and Armstrong Avenue in Umhlanga.
“I dropped her off at the Star Aviation college, where she was studying, at about 5.50am.
“She had some time before her lectures could start, so she and her friend decided to take a walk to the mall.
“Her friend managed to cross the road. Sarah was struck by a speeding taxi and was dragged for 20 metres. When the taxi eventually stopped, the driver, my daughter’s friend and another woman who witnessed the accident, carried her into the taxi and drove her to the Umhlanga Netcare Hospital where my wife works,” said Govender.
“She was awake while being transported to hospital but sustained bad injuries. She had broken her leg, damaged her pelvis and broken her ribs. Her broken ribs injured her organs. She passed away at around 2am on Saturday,” her distraught father said.
Govender was transferred to the Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital.
Her mother, Jenny Govender described her daughter as a motivated person who had many dreams and goals.
She said Govender chose to pursue a career in the aviation industry as an air hostess because she wanted to travel.
“Sarah 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. She planned to host a sleepover at our home for her birthday in November with her best friend. She 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,” added Jenny Govender.
She said this was a traumatising time for her other daughter, Leeandra who left to China to teach only a month ago.
“My children shared a close bond. Leeandra had to return for her sister’s funeral.”
John Rambaran, Sarah’s grandfather described Govender as “a gem of a person”.
“She always had a radiant smile and was very respectful. She was not an outgoing person,” added Rambaran.
Govender will be laid to rest on Saturday.