Phoenix resident Ashnee Dookie is appealing to members of the public for information and witnesses to come forward following the death of her husband, Terrance Moonsamy, after he was struck in a hit-and-run incident in Highmanor, Phoenix.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, Dookie said the incident occurred on Saturday, 9 May, at approximately 5pm when Terrance was walking to a friend’s house. “He left home at about 4.30pm. A child came to my house and told me that my husband had been run over. When I arrived at the scene in Highmanor, opposite the car wash, he was lying on the road seriously injured,” said Dookie.
She alleged that despite calls for assistance, emergency services failed to arrive for more than three hours. “We called both the ambulance and the police, but nobody came. After waiting for more than three hours without any assistance, we made the decision to transport him ourselves in a private vehicle. We rushed Terrance to the Unit 10 Clinic where a doctor examined him and advised that he needed urgent treatment at Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital because he had suffered a severe head injury. We eventually arrived at the hospital at around 9pm,” she said.
Dookie said doctors informed her that Terrance had suffered a traumatic brain injury and required emergency surgery. “I was told that he had sustained brain damage and needed an operation as soon as possible. Blood was coming from his ears and he was in a critical condition. From there, we waited to be transported to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital where he underwent brain surgery on Monday, 11 May. He remained in the intensive care unit and was unresponsive. He was then transferred back to Pixley Hospital on 16 May, but his condition had deteriorated. Doctors told us that many of his bones had been fractured and that his chances of survival were only 50/50,” said Dookie.
She said Terrance passed away on Monday, 18 May, after his condition worsened. Dookie claims she was informed by some vagrants in the area that a speeding van struck Terrance before the driver allegedly fled the scene. “I was told that Terrance was run over by a van that was travelling at a high speed. I want the driver to come forward and take responsibility for his actions. I have the side mirror that came off the vehicle when it hit him,” she said.
She further alleged that the driver stopped briefly before leaving the scene. “I was told that the driver got out to check on his child, who was also in the vehicle, before driving away. If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information, I urge them to please come forward,” said Dookie.
Describing Terrance as a dedicated employee and a caring individual, Dookie said his death has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him. “He was a people’s person who was always willing to help others. He excelled at his job and travelled around the country with his employers. He had a bubbly personality and brought joy wherever he went,” she said.
Dookie added that the loss has been particularly difficult as Terrance was the family’s primary breadwinner. “He supported me financially and emotionally. I am currently unemployed, and life has become extremely difficult without him. I want justice for Terrance and I want the person responsible to be held accountable,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to Terrance’s employers. “I would like to thank his bosses from Debt Mate, who generously covered the costs of his funeral and supported our family during this difficult time,” said Dookie.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Phoenix SAPS on 031 508 2300 or Ashnee Dookie on 061 736 4973.
