Following the case of culpable homicide that was opened at the Actonville Police Station on February 26, the family of the late Fahmida-Bibi Kapadia said they have to accept her death.
The 47-year-old died on February 26 after she was knocked over earlier that day by a learner driver in the Actonville parking lot on the corner of Soma Street and Khan Crescent.
“The learner driver was not arrested,” said Actonville SAPS spokesperson Sgt Godin Nyathi.
Police were not able to provide any further detail about the accident.
The family, however, said witnesses told them the vehicle was a marked driving school car and the learner driver was
apparently practicing parking when she drove into Fahmida-Bibi.
The Actonville resident worked as a manager at the Mochachos in East Rand Mall and used the same route home every day.
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“She was crossing the parking lot around 5pm on Wednesday,” said one of her daughters, Suhaiyma Kapadia.
“The community was so helpful, they ran to Sunshine Hospital to tell them what had happened and the hospital accommodated my mom despite her not having a medical aid.”
*Operations manager at Sunshine Hospital, Leon van Aswegen said Fahmida-Bibi was treated at the private hospital under the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
The family thanked the hospital and the community for placing the life of Fahmida-Bibi as the top priority.
“She complained about severe chest pains when I got into the ambulance, and I know she would have fought to stay alive, but I think she was just tired.”
Suhaiyma said her mother was a cancer survivor and she was always strong, no matter her circumstance.
“She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and had a mastectomy, but she remained positive.
“I have never heard my mom complain about pain, so when she complained about her chest before dying, I knew she was in agonising pain.”
In 2018, she also had a hysterectomy.
“She fought so much despite any medical condition, I think she was just tired of fighting,” Suhaiyma said.
“She was a warm, wonderful, friendly, kind and caring woman.
“When she died, we had families who we did not even know visit us to give their condolences and share how my mom helped them with even little things.
“She died tragically; the staff at her workplace were also taken aback by her sudden death.”
Fahmida-Bibi was buried on February 27 and the family said although she died tragically, they are glad she did not suffer with the pain for a long time.
The doctors declared her dead by 7.10pm, two hours after she was knocked over.
“My mom was a proud grandmother. She already had three grandsons and one grandchild on the way,” Suhaiyma said.
“We just don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”
Nyathi said the case is still being investigated.
Fahmida-Bibi is survived by her three daughters, Haleemah, Suhaiyma and Madaina Kapadia, her son, Mohammed-Ashraf Kapadia, husband Shoukad Kapadia and grandchildren, Muhammad-Rizaa (8), Salman (4) and Muzammil (1) Ally.
“She never got to meet my child,” Suhaiyma, who is expecting, said.
The Kapadias also gave special thanks to Rufaida from Sunshine Hospital, Naasir (BMJ Burial Committee), friends and family for their support during this time.
*Additional information provided on March 10, 2020.
