INLSA
Caveer Rajman, a Merebank resident, says his community is worried about road safety, particularly at the intersection of Travancore Road and Marine Drive. Picture: Lauren Rawlins
Durban – Police have made a breakthrough and arrested a 28-year-old man who they believe ignored a stop sign in Merebank and crashed at speed into a family’s car. Salahia Dawood, 30, and her nine-month-old daughter, Maseehah, died.
On April 3, the night of the accident, the driver of the VW Golf ran from the scene leaving the mother and her baby in the road and husband and father Junaid trapped in the car.
Junaid has been discharged from Entabeni Hospital but was still traumatised, a family member said on Thursday.
Police spokesman Thulani Zwane said the arrested man would be charged with culpable homicide, but he could not give detailed information.
A Wentworth policeman said the man was in their holding cells and would appear in court soon.
Witnesses said the suspect left his belongings, including his driving licence, and a half-empty bottle of whisky, in his car. The arrest has been welcomed by the Wentworth community police forum which is calling for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection.
Salahia’s father, Mohammed Khan, said on Thursday the arrest had given the family some closure.
“But nothing will bring them back. Salahia was my friend and the apple of my eye. Life has been very been tough. Junaid is devastated by the loss of his wife and daughter,” he said.
Caveer Rajman, who lives close to where the accident happened, said residents were worried about road safety in the area.
Ward councillor Aubrey Snyman said he had spoken to Carlos Esteves of the eThekwini Municipality’s transport department on Tuesday, to discuss traffic calming measures such as robots, speed humps or a traffic circle at Travancore Road and Marine Drive where the mother and her baby died.
He said the intersection was notorious, and Esteves assured him he would investigate.
The Mercury
