The Sukhari family is mourning an unimaginable loss following a fatal multi-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of Sewkumar Rajkaran Sukhari, affectionately known as Smiley or Rajesh, his wife, Shanitha, and their daughters, Trisha and Nicole.

The tragedy occurred on Diwali, Monday, October 20, at around 16:20 on the road between Sasolburg and Johannesburg. The family had been visiting friends and delivering Diwali sweets when the collision occurred.

Diwali, a sacred festival symbolising the victory of light over darkness, ended in profound sorrow for all who knew them.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Vinesh Sukhari said the loss has left them devastated.

“It is with profound grief that I confirm the passing of my brother, his wife and their two precious daughters. Our hearts are shattered,” he said.

According to Vinesh, another couple travelling along the same route captured footage of a white bakkie being driven erratically by a man they believed to be intoxicated.

The video, which the family says shows the vehicle veering into oncoming traffic several times, prompted the couple to alert both the SAPS and Sasolburg Traffic Police.

No intervention followed.

Moments later, the bakkie reportedly made a U-turn and collided head-on with the Sukhari family’s vehicle.

Smiley, Shanitha and Trisha died at the scene, while Nicole was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. She fought for her life for five days before passing away.

The family only learned of the crash the following afternoon through social media posts, which at first offered few details.

As more information emerged, their worst fears were confirmed.

In the days that followed, the family faced the heartbreaking tasks of identifying bodies, securing documentation, and preparing funerals, all while praying for Nicole’s recovery.

Funerals were planned for three members on Sunday, October 26, but when Nicole died on Saturday morning, the family was forced to prepare for a fourth service.

Vinesh believes the tragedy should never have happened.

“This event was entirely preventable. It involved an allegedly intoxicated driver and a failure of authorities to act despite clear warnings. We will continue seeking answers and justice for Smiley, Shanitha, Trisha and Nicole,” he said.

The family is calling for stronger enforcement of drunk-driving laws, improved police response to reports of dangerous driving, and greater public awareness around road safety.

“No family should ever endure what we have,” Vinesh added.

The Sukhari family was deeply loved by relatives, friends, colleagues and the wider community. Described as kind, humble and principled, they touched countless lives and lived with compassion and integrity.

Their legacy, the family says, is a reminder to cherish loved ones, show empathy and work together to ensure safer roads for all South Africans.

The family is urging authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation, review police protocols for dangerous-driving reports, strengthen the enforcement of drunk-driving laws and expand road-safety awareness campaigns, stressing that justice must be served and that their loved ones’ deaths must not be in vain.

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