A 12-year-old Phoenix karateka, Suhaliya Maharaj, passed away from a stroke shortly after she participated in a karate tournament on Sunday. Her family has spoken out in defence of the girl she fought against saying that the doctor assured them their daughter’s death was not karate-related.

Suhaliya, a grade seven student at Wembley Primary School, was rushed to Victoria Hospital in Tongaat after she took ill after her tournament. At the hospital doctors informed the Maharaj family that their daughter had a burst blood vessel and suffered a stroke. She was later transferred to Albert Luthuli Hospital where she passed away.

Suhaliya’s father Yakeel Maharaj says the doctor made it clear that his daughter’s death was not related to the karate tournament she participated in before her death.

“When Suhailya told us that she was ill, little did we know that our child would soon pass on. The doctor explained to us that it was not a karate-related injury and that this can happen to anyone. He went on to explain that my daughter had burst a blood vessel which caused a stroke and that is how she died.”

Maharaj says he wants to clear any false statements made on social media.

“My child did not die because she was injured by her opponent in the karate tournament. It was something that had been brewing and unfortunately, after her fight, she fell very ill. The doctor has informed my wife and I that this could happen to anyone at any time and sadly, it had happened to my little girl.

“The rumours from the public are incorrect and the girl my daughter faced during the tournament is not to be blamed. I will be contacting the child to assure her that this has nothing to do with her and that Suhailya died because of an unfortunate condition.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our daughter and are overcome with grief. She was a very respectful and bubbly child. Everyone, who met her immediately got along with her. Suhailya was passionate about karate.

“I would like to ask the public for privacy at this time to allow us to grieve and I would appreciate it if the incorrect information surrounding my child’s death will stop circulating.”

A spokesperson for Wembly Primary School, who asked not to be named, says “Suhaliya has left a huge void in the hearts of all at Wembley Primary and the community. She was a compassionate pupil whose love for karate also taught her leadership in the classroom. Her friendly nature and lovable personality will be dearly missed.”

The Mediclinic Victoria hospital manager, Reshma Rabichand, says, “We can only comment on the incident once the post-mortem results of the deceased are released from Albert Luthuli Hospital. We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”