Durban: A Phoenix mother whose 21-year-old-son was hit by a truck on the R102 on May 4, said the incident has broken the family emotionally.
Sharon Veeran said the passing of her son had left them with many unanswered questions and they were searching for anyone who might have seen the accident.
According to Veeran, her son Jeremiah Kalib Joseph left their home on Trenance Manor Road after he received a call just after 6.30pm.
Speaking to Post, Veeran said Joseph told them that he was going to a shop nearby and would be back soon, but according to the people who last saw him in the neighbourhood, a vehicle picked him up and drove away.
It is alleged that Joseph’s body was discovered five minutes after he left home on the R102 towards Palmview in Phoenix.
“We don’t know who picked him up and how he arrived at R102. I was busy making supper for him and my other two children. He said he would be back before supper but never returned. My husband had just left as he was working the night shift.”
When Joseph did not return home, Veeran called him; however, a priest answered the phone.
The priest, who was first on the scene, told her that Joseph had been involved in an accident.
“I would have understood if he was in a car accident but to be told that he was knocked by a truck, it doesn’t make sense to me. It was the most devastating thing I’ve ever heard. He was my life and pride, and we were very close.”
Captain Nqobile Gwala, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, confirmed the incident.
It is alleged that Joseph’s body was discovered minutes after he left home, on the R102 towards Palmview in Phoenix.
Gwala said Jeremiah was hit by a truck and sustained injuries and was certified dead at the scene.
“A case of culpable homicide was opened at Phoenix police station for investigation.”
Veeran said they had requested video footage from the truck’s camera, but had received nothing.
She said the trucking company told them the footage had been submitted to the police.
“We also want to see that footage and we are being denied that opportunity. How are we expected to find closure? My son was never suicidal. Someone took him and threw him on the road. He never mentioned anything about being scared or being in danger.”
Describing his son, Veeran said Joseph was a joyful, playful, soft-spoken young man and enjoyed the company of his siblings.
Veeran stated that losing his first born has left her shattered as they were very close.
“He was my friend and we used to talk about everything and laugh. My other daughter is very emotional, heartbroken, and always sad because they were close and shared a room together. Everyone at home is broken inside and there is a gap that is filled with questions with no one to answer.”
They were printing out flyers to be handed out around the community for anyone who might have information about the person who picked him up.
The family said they won’t find closure and peace until they know exactly what happened to their son.
Joseph was laid to rest on May 7, 2021, three days after he died.
If anyone has information contact 0848304691.
The Post