‘I wish the driver had shown remorse by coming to meet me. I know it won’t bring my daughter back but I don’t have faith that the SAPS will get justice for my daughter.’
The inconsolable mother of a North-West University social work student, 24-year-old Nothemba Matlhare vented her disappointment, pain and hopelessness after her twin daughter was knocked down by a car near the robots in Nelson Mandela Drive on 6 January.
According to bystanders, the accused had jumped a red robot travelling at high speed. He was allegedly not arrested or tested for alcohol or drugs.
Upon her arrival at the scene, her mother, Maki Tsimane, fainted and had to be admitted to the hospital. She cannot remember what happened afterwards.
‘My daughter was a pillar of strength to the family. We owe all our academic achievements to her. I am busy with my education degree because of her,’ she said tearfully.
‘She prayed that God would spare my 89-year-old mother a little longer so she could build her a house one day. God has answered her prayers but then someone took Nothemba from this world.’
The proud mother of five children, Maki Tsimane remembers her daughter fondly as someone who played a pivotal role in the family.
Tragedy affected the twin sister
The tragedy has also affected her twin sister, 24-year-old Nothando badly. She rushed to the scene when she heard about the accident. ‘I never expected the worst – I thought my sister was unconscious,’ she said.
The twins were inseparable from the day they were born. Standing metres from the motionless body, what Nothando saw was to change her life forever. ‘Her legs were sticking out from under the cover and I could see by the position she was lying in that her body was wrecked. I was broken; it was like a bad dream. I cried until my tears dried up,’ she sobbed.
According to her, her sister loved books and was to commence her third year in social work. She already had a sports science degree and wanted to study further after completing her social work degree.
She described Nothemba as a peacemaker who loved to smile, a good organiser and adviser and a problem-solver. ‘She was shy in front of strangers but she was talkative in the company of those who were close to her,’ she smiled.
Nothemba remembered in a moving tribute
Last Thursday, students, friends and the community packed the Govan Mbeki Hall to bid farewell to her. Tears flowed as many struggled to come to terms with her death. They relived the wonderful, amusing memories of the former Technical High School learner.
Some friends took to Facebook to demand justice. ’Our policemen and law failed us. Let’s fix it,’ said one of them.
Nobathemba was buried in Ikageng last Saturday.
The police are investigating a case of culpable homicide
According to the NW police spokesperson, Lt-Col Pelonomi Makau, the police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. ‘The family has met the investigating officer twice already. The pathologist is still busy with the post-mortem report but once it has been completed, the docket will be taken to the prosecution for a decision,’ she said. She could not confirm the bystanders’ allegations.
NWU will miss Nothemba
The NWU spokesperson, Louis Jacobs says the death of any student of the NWU is regarded as a tragedy for the whole university.
‘It is sad to lose anybody, especially a young person on the threshold of their life. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Nothemba will be missed,’ he said.
