uMhlanga resident mowed down in hit-and-run

THE community has been rallying around uMhlanga resident, Adrian Verbiest, who was left severely battered and bruised after a hit-and-run accident on Chartwell Drive in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Family members have made an urgent appeal for assistance as the 23-year-old faces recovery without a medical aid and a loss of income. Verbiest’s leg was broken in four places and his front teeth were smashed out during the accident.

“We don’t know how long  it will take for him to get back up onto his feet. He had recently put down a deposit for a new home and was in the process of applying for a hospital plan,” said his mother, Nadine Morrison.

Morrison confirmed that they have received an estimated R15 000 worth of donations following an appeal posted onto the Durban North Neighbours Facebook page.

Verbiest is currently recovering at the Addington Hospital, after undergoing a three-hour surgery. “I have never been so afraid in my life. When we got the call at around 3am we were beside ourselves. It was horrific, but the surgery was successful and although he is in pain he is doing better now,” she said.

It is believed that Verbiest, who is a well-known manager at an upmarket restaurant, The Dutch, was on his way to meet a friend at one of the restaurants on Chartwell Drive when he was struck.

According to eye-witnesses, a green Toyota Tazz hit the former Northwood High School pupil before smashing into a pole and fleeing the scene.

“I don’t hate the person responsible. I actually feel sorry for him, as he will have to carry this with him. We are taking it day by day,” she said.

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