A shocking leniency in sentencing has sparked community outrage after Zamani Cedric Ntuli, a security officer who fatally struck one teenager and injured two others with his vehicle in June 2022, received a suspended sentence. The ruling has fuelled demands for accountability and justice, raising concerns about the criminal justice system’s response to violent incidents.
Siblings, Kiren and Trishen Rampersad and their late friend Ethan Govender were walking on a pavement on Palmview Drive when Ntuli’s vehicle ran them over and landed in a ditch 10 meters off the road. The accident left Trishen with multiple head injuries, a brain injury, a punctured lung and broken ribs, while his brother, Kerin sustained a fractured left knee and bruises to his body. Sadly, their friend, Ethan succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the scene. A case of culpable homicide was opened at Phoenix SAPS. The driver alleged that while travelling along Palmview Drive, his vehicle suddenly locked and ended up going off the road, knocking three pedestrians. He was allegedly responding to a callout at Pearlbrook.
The Verulam Magistrate’s Court sentenced Ntuli to two years imprisonment without the option of a fine, which is wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of contravening the provisions of
Section 63 (1) of Act 93 of 1996 (in respect of reckless and negligent driving), which is committed during the period of suspension.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, Joanne Rampersad, mother to Kiren and Trishen expressed her deep disappointment with the judicial system. She said, “Justice has not been served, I will not stop fighting until my son’s and their late friend, Ethan get the justice they deserve. I am very disheartened by the decision of the court to hand down a suspended sentence. An innocent child lost his life while both my sons suffered serious injuries, due to the driver’s actions. Are we saying that it’s okay to take away a life and get away with it? I am very concerned about the message this decision sends regarding accountability for reckless behaviour on the road. I will be appealing this decision and calling for a thorough investigation and transparency in the decision-making process regarding this case.”
Rampersad criticised the leniency of the sentence, arguing that it fails to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and the impact on her sons’ lives. “Trishen hasn’t been to school since the accident in 2022. He was in Grade 10 and had just closed school for the June holidays when it happened. This has been the most difficult two years, not only for him but for us as well. The accident left him wheelchair bound for a very long time until he recently started walking on his own again. He has been to three different hospitals for prolonged periods of time and what saddens us the most is that while my child was lucky enough to survive this traumatic experience, one that still traumatises him even today, another child was left for dead yet the driver walks away scot-free,” said Rampersad.
She thanked Warrant Officer Dhinesh Rajcoojmar from SAPS Phoenix who assisted in the case. Ethan’s father, Prevan Govender said, “It’s not fair to take away someone’s life and then give the perpetrator a slap on the wrist for his actions. The accused should have received a harsher punishment so we can get some form of closure.”
Community members have rallied around the family, echoing their frustration and calling for a review of the case. Many are advocating for stronger penalties in similar situations to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve and to deter future incidents.
