As the first anniversary of Blessing Onoh’s death draws near, the past year has been described by her family as deeply painful and profoundly challenging.

The 10-year-old girl from Dalview was struck by a car and killed on April 18 (Good Friday) last year.

Her family’s grief has been compounded by the alleged disappearance of the accused, leaving them still searching for justice and closure.

As reported by the Brakpan Herald at the time, what should have been a joyous Easter weekend filled with celebration and delight was marred by tragedy for the family.

Blessing and her two sisters, then aged 12 and 17, were returning home that afternoon after shopping at Mall@Carnival.

The siblings were crossing Heidelberg Road, near the Airport Drive intersection, to catch a taxi when the driver of the car allegedly swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle.

According to the family, Blessing had almost safely reached the other side of the road when the car hit her.

The driver allegedly offered no assistance to the injured girl or her traumatised sisters, and fled the scene.

“My child was lying under his car and he just drove away,” said Faith Chifamba (42), Blessing’s mom.

“There were motorists in three different cars that chased after him and caught him in Kwa-Thema. They then took him to the Brakpan Police Station,” she said.

None of Faith’s children had a cellphone with them at the time of the accident and the younger daughter quickly hurried home.

“She came to fetch me while her older sister stayed with Blessing. She was trying to get motorists to stop and get help for Blessing,” said Faith.

Blessing would later be declared dead on the scene. Faith described Blessing, who was a Grade Four learner at a school in Springs, as a gentle and loving child who cherished their relationship.

ALSO CHECK: Heartbroken family demands justice after girl’s death

“She was such a sweet girl who loved her mommy,” said Faith.

The driver, who was 48 years old at the time of the incident, was arrested on a charge of culpable homicide and was granted bail during his first appearance in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court.

According to Faith, she last saw the accused during a court appearance in December. She claims he failed to appear in court in February and has since skipped bail.

“Apparently the detective is looking for him,” she said, adding that the investigating officer has remained in regular contact with the family.

Faith further claimed they have been informed that there are currently no further court dates and that they will be notified once the accused is found.

“So there’s really nothing I can do,” she said.

The family will not be holding any special commemoration for the anniversary, and told the Herald that Blessing is remembered and celebrated in their hearts every day.

ALSO CHECK: Hoërskool Die Anker learners lend a helping hand at Brakpan SPCA

The emotional toll has, however, been profound.

Faith expressed that the pain became so overwhelming that the family moved, as the memories in their previous home were too difficult to bear.

She also stated that her daughter’s death has taken a serious toll on her health, leaving her struggling with stress and frequent headaches.

Blessing’s 21-year-old sister shared how grief continues to surface in unexpected moments.

“I was sitting outside the other day when a group of girls walked past, and one of them walked in a similar way to Blessing,” she said.

“She was also eating corn, which was one of Blessing’s favourites, and for a second I really thought it was her. It caught me for a moment.”

Police confirmed that the accused has skipped bail. Comment from the National Prosecuting Authority is awaited.