Caleb Reddy killed by alleged drunk driver, family’s fight for justice continues
RANDBURG – The Reddy family is still waiting for justice after the case was postponed again.
This year, Caleb Reddy should have been celebrating his university graduation but instead, his family is grieving his death.
Reddy was killed in a collision with an alleged drunk driver in December last year. Since then, his family has been fighting for justice, although each trip to the Randburg Magistrates’ Court has been hard on them.
Reddy was studying economics and theoretical statistics at the University of Pretoria and had passed with 98 per cent.
“We thought it would be easier with time but the reality is different,” said a relative, Natalie Reddy. The family is dismayed at how long the court case is taking because it makes the grieving process that much harder for us. All we want is justice for Caleb.”
READ: Reddy family still struggling after the death of their own in a car accident
The driver who collided with Caleb is charged with drunk driving, culpable homicide and reckless endangerment. The passenger who was in the accused’s vehicle passed away in March after being in a coma due to his injuries.
Their fight for justice has been an uphill battle after the case had to be postponed on 17 May.
Caro Smit, who heads up South Africans Against Drunk Driving (Sadd) alleged that the delay was because the Randburg Police Station could not print out the autopsy report for the deceased passenger.
However Captain Makgowanyana Maja, spokesperson for the Randburg Police Station denied that it was the responsibility of the station to print out any documents related to court proceedings.
“An autopsy report would have to come from the mortuary, and medical reports must come from the relevant hospital. It is not the duty of the police station to provide any of this documentation,”said Maja.
Caleb’s sister, Sarally Subbiah, said she does not know how to feel but all she wants is justice for her brother. “I am an advocate against drinking and driving because for just a little fun, lives have been taken and families are hurt,” she said.
“It is not worth it to go through such a situation. We want justice done but we know that it won’t bring my brother back to us.”
The Reddy family was supported in court by South Africans Against Drunk Driving (Sadd), an organisation that raises awareness of the crime of drunk under the influence of alcohol.
Smit was perturbed by the delay. “[This is absolutely shocking]. The family takes time off work, which is costly. These are acts of secondary trauma.
“We need to be totally outraged by the inefficiency. Victims need better rights in this country and Sadd is working diligently on this and has also joined an International Road Victims’ Partnership NGO – IRVP. The loss of a talented young man like this is a huge loss to our country’s economic growth and development.”
The case will resume on 8 June at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
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