Merebank teen killed in horrific hit and run

A DAY before he could celebrate his 18th birthday, Thaveshen Tristan Govender was killed when he was hit by a speeding vehicle at a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Himalayas and Lahore roads.

He was on his way to run an errand for his grandmother when he was knocked and left for dead.

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The driver of the vehicle stopped after Tristan rolled onto his bonnet, his body smashing against the windscreen and ricocheting over the vehicle before flying into the air. He landed about 30m away from where he was knocked.

CCTV cameras viewed by Tristan’s family captured the black BMW stopping at the scene. The driver exits the vehicle and walks up to Tristan. He looks at him for a few seconds before returning to his vehicle and driving away from the scene.

When Tristan’s father and grand-uncle, Pat Pather, got to the scene at about 18:20 on December 8, Tristan took his last breath and passed on.

Pather said the tragic incident brought back the horror of the family losing a loved one to reckless and negligent driving.

“Thirty-five years ago, my seven-year-old nephew was killed while crossing at the same pedestrian crossing. Our family is struggling to come to terms with Tristan’s untimely death. He was a gem, had good values and was always loving, respectful and keen to learn. He lived a healthy lifestyle and loved training at the gym. His teachers at both Ganges and Merebank secondary schools admired him.

“He studied hard and looked forward to receiving his matric results next month. He had plans to study shipping. His funeral, which was held on December 12, bore testament to his loving nature as there were about 1 000 mourners who said their final goodbyes.

“We are appreciative of efforts by security companies and police who have made headway with the investigation. They said an arrest is imminent. We thank all those who helped at the scene of the accident and those who supported us since this tragic loss,” Pather said.

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