A deadly accident in Albert Street on Friday evening has sent shock waves through the community. 87-year-old Haroon Olideen was knocked over by a car and killed shortly after he had completed an evening prayer at the Estcourt Town Mosque at about 6.30pm.
According to his son Goolam, Dr Olideen was crossing the street to his car, which was parked across the road when he was knocked down by a VW Polo, whose driver was allegedly speeding. “I was present at the prayer and did not witness the accident itself. When I arrived, dad was immersed in a pool of blood. We tried to arrest the bleeding, which was very extensive,” said Mr Olideen.
Within minutes traffic officers were on scene and waited for an ambulance to transport Dr Olideen to hospital.
Once inside the ambulance, the paramedic and Dr Olideen’s son tried in vain to resuscitate him but he died from the severe injuries he sustained. Dr Olideen was laid to rest at 10am on Saturday.
Dr Olideen was a well-known resident in Estcourt and was a general practitioner for 20 years. He completed his school years at Sastri College in Durban before pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Fort Hare. The government of India granted Dr Olideen a scholarship to study Medicine at the Madras University and after completing this, he returned to South Africa and served his internship at King Edward Hospital in Durban.
“Dad established his medical practice in Albert Street in 1968 and later relocated to Alexandra Street, As a member of the Islamic Medical Association, he also did voluntary medical assistance in rural areas,” commented Mr Olideen.
Dr Olideen was also employed in a part-time capacity at Estcourt Hospital for many years.
Apart from the medical field Dr Olideen also served as a member on the Indian Local Affairs Committee, ML Sultan Primary School committee as well as the Drakensberg Secondary School committee. He was also a member of the Estcourt Mosque and Madressa trust management Committee for several years. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many locals for their unstinting support during their difficult time.
Police spokesperson Captain JS Sokhela confirmed the incident and said that officers proceeded to the scene and then the hospital.
