No foul play suspected in N3 death – SAPS
The deceased got onto the ledge of the bridge and jokingly told her friends that she will jump off the bridge. She fell accidentally from the bridge into the gorge below.
POLICE have ruled out foul play in the death of an 18-year-old woman after it was reported that she accidentally fell off a bridge and into a gorge in Shongweni.
“It is alleged that on Friday, 17 January at about 6am, the deceased, an 18-year-old woman from Nqetho reserve together with her two friends, left home and went to Durban to visit colleges and enquire about furthering their education,” said Hillcrest Saps communications officer, Capt Linzi Smith.
The three friends decided to go home at about 6pm the same day.
“They were hitchhiking when the driver of a blue VW golf, with unknown registration, stopped to give them a lift. Enroute the driver offered the three girls alcohol which they consumed. At the Assagay turn off on the N3, the girls decided to get off the vehicle,” added Smith
According to the friends’ statement, the driver drove off, leaving the girls.
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“The deceased then phoned her boyfriend to pick them up from the N3. He suggested that they walk towards the Toll plaza where it would be convenient to be picked up.”
According to Smith, the young woman then climbed onto the ledge of the bridge and “jokingly told her friends that she will jump off the bridge.”
The friends told police they begged the young woman to climb off the ledge, but she unfortunately fell down the bridge and into the gorge.
After various rescue organisations banded together to rescue and stabilise the woman she was rushed to Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital.
“In the early hours of this morning, she succumbed to her injuries and died,” reported Smith.
The scene was investigated by Hillcrest detectives.
Smith added that no foul play is suspected at this stage.
“The description of the blue VW golf is unknown as it did not pass through the toll road. Investigations are still continuing.”
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