Former athlete dies in tragic truck accident
Talented former Nkangala athlete hit by a truck moments after dropping her children at home.
Zandile Maria Sikhaya, a 27-year-old woman, was tragically hit and run over by a truck near her home in Mayina Street, Extension 4, Mhluzi.
The tragedy occurred on her way to work on June 26 at around 11:00, shortly after she had accompanied her two children home from a spaza shop.
According to her sister, Nqobile Sikhaya, Zandile was just up the road and was making sure her children were home safely before she went to wait for a taxi to travel to work.
Nqobile added that shortly after, on the corner of the street, a truck made a quick turn and accidentally drove onto the pavement where Zandile was standing.
“The truck then hit my sister, and she fell under it while she was trying to regain her balance. It then drove over her. She sustained injuries to the left side of her body, more specifically her lower leg, and when the paramedics came, they further confirmed that her left arm was also broken,” said Nqobile
Nqobile told the Middelburg Observer that she received a call at around 11:00 informing her of Zandile’s accident. She further added that it took the ambulance close to two hours to attend to the scene.
The truck driver drove away from the scene to his sister’s house, where he parked the truck and returned to the scene on foot. He then offered to take Zandile to the hospital in a car‚ which Nqobile then advised them against‚ since her sister was badly injured.
Zandile was later taken to the Middelburg Provincial Hospital by ambulance, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Her sudden passing has been described by her family as a great loss and a tragedy.
Zandile’s talent was noticeable from a young age, having been recruited by the Nkangala Athletic Academy during an inter-primary championship.
She has been described as an exceptional athlete by the academy and will be remembered for her great contribution to the team.
Zandile is survived by her family and her four children. Her funeral will take place on July 6, at 6683 Mayina Street, Extension 4, Mhluzi, at 08:30.
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