After being in and out of court 25 times over the course of six years, the long and painful wait for justice to prevail for their only child is over for the Sewraj family.
Atish ‘Jumperz’ Sewraj was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Marine Drive, Shelly Beach on November 9, 2012.
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The driver responsible for the teenager’s death, Nivesh Bowla (33) of Port Shepstone, had pleaded guilty to a count of culpable homicide earlier this year.
In the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday this week, Regional Magistrate, Nonesi Dlamini, said the sentence imposed must send out a strong message to all motorists, especially those with children in their vehicles, to travel with caution at all times.
Bowla was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
Magistrate Dlamini granted leave to appeal and Bowla was released on R5 000 bail, pending the outcome.
Atish was a grade 11 pupil at Marburg Secondary. He died in hospital, still in his school uniform, after Bowla had lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a tree.
Atish’s parents, Pravin and Indrani Sewraj of Marburg, said said they had lost their only child in the prime of his life.
“He had a promising future with so much to live for. He excelled in whatever he took upon himself. He was loved by all who came into contact with him.
“We had so many hopes and dreams for him, which were shattered through recklessness and negligence. Since this incident, we have lost all hope of living.
“There is no auspicious day that gets celebrated since his passing, as there is no happiness. As parents we live for our children,” said Mrs Sewraj.
On the day of the accident, Atish and his cousin were on study leave and Atish was at his aunt’s house.
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It was heard in court that when Bowla arrived at the house, Atish and his cousin had wanted to take a break from studying and had asked Bowla to take them out.
They first went to a pub in Port Shepstone and much later, were on their way to a club in Margate when the accident occurred.
Mr Sewraj said Bowla had shown no remorse.
“He has never apologised and he has taken this whole incident as a joke. Losing our child as affected us so badly. We cannot come to terms that our only child is no longer with us.
“Many innocent children lose their lives through people like Bowla. This should be an eye-opener to road offenders. Our children don’t deserve to die in this manner. As November 9 approaches, we dread that day. It’s just a nightmare to us and our only wish would be to turn back the clock,” said Mr Sewraj.
The parents now await the outcome of the appeal.
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