It is alleged that the driver of a maroon BMW lost control of his vehicle on Monday afternoon as he was taking a bend in the road along Willow Drive. The car careened out of control, crossing onto the wrong side of the road, before mounting the pavement and hitting school teacher 50-year-old Mrs Kalai Chetty.

Mrs Chetty, who was walking with a long-time friend and fellow educator, allegedly turned a second before being hit by the car. Her friend managed to step out of the way split-seconds before it struck.

The friend was treated for shock by paramedics at the scene. She managed to identify the vehicle and its owner.

“I shouted at him (the driver) to stop. He looked back at me, but kept going,” explained the female teacher who asked not to be named.

The driver of the vehicle linked to the possible hit ‘n run accident that killed the prominent Lasec HOD  was arrested shortly after her death at his home. According to initial reports, the driver claimed he was unaware that he had hit anyone.

Sharaj Ambulance Services, together with Public Safety and police, were on scene shortly after the incident.

Mrs Chetty’s death has sent shock waves through Ladysmith, as community members and pupils now have to come to terms with her death.

Dozens of posts on the Ladysmith Gazette Facebook page have highlighted how truly devastating the loss of Mrs Chetty is.

Mrs Chetty was HOD of Afrikaans at Ladysmith Secondary School (Lasec) and was also a prominent community leader. She was actively involved in many charities and organisations.

She is survived by her husband, Logan Chetty, and children, Sandhren and Kevolin.

Funeral details:

The funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 23 (tomorrow). The body will lie in state at 15 Foxglove Avenue and thereafter proceed to the Ladysmith Crematorium at 2pm.

This story will be updated…