The family of Dropathy ‘Sheila’ Demrugaram (76), who died after she was allegedly driven over by a four-ton truck after a senior citizens meeting, is calling for answers after claiming that they have not received any information about the case.
The incident took place on 27 September on Chorley Close, Bonela, when Demrugaram and a friend were walking to a dressmaker after their meeting when a blue and white four-ton truck from a hardware company allegedly ran her over. The incident caused her legs and pelvic bones to break, resulting in her untimely death.
Senior
Sujith Bithan, the deceased’s son, told the Springfield Weekly Gazette that he is appalled by the the trucking company as they have yet to take responsibility for the incident.
He said: “I have approached the company but they have ignored the situation and turned a blind eye. It is extremely sad. According to people who were present when the incident occurred, the truck driver knocked and ran over my mom. We are not sure if he had braked while she was still under the wheel as her injuries were so severe. We are truly heartbroken by this and saddened that no one wants to take responsibility for this.”
Bithan said that he has yet to receive any information from the detectives who are handling the case.
“From the time of the incident, we have not spoken to the detective; we have not received any calls or messages from them either. We don’t know what is going on in the case and more importantly, why no one has been charged or arrested for this. Something needs to be done because the negligence of the driver cost an innocent person her life,” he said.
Demrugaram’s niece, Shantha Mohan, said that she is heartbroken and has yet to come to terms with the incident.
She said: “My aunty normally waits for me to take her to and from the senior citizens meeting, however, she wanted to take a walk with her friend to the dressmaker. I drove past her; we both waved and smiled at each other. It must have only been five minutes before I turned and went back when the incident took place. I am heartbroken. I saw her. I held her and I fed her water before she closed her eyes. I am traumatised by this as I lost my aunty and we as a family lost our hearts.”
Mohan said that her aunt was a fun person and was loved by everyone who knew her. “My aunty enjoyed cooking and treating people. She was extremely fond of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are so saddened by this incident as it was extremely sudden.”
The funeral of the late Dropathy ‘Sheila’ Demrugaram took place on 1 October. Feedback from SAPS Cato Manor was not forthcoming at the time of print.
