FAMILIES who have lost their loved ones to accidents caused by drunken drivers believe the six-year prison sentence could go a long way in saving other families from going through the pain and trauma they endured.
In January 2018, a South Coast businessman was charged with eight counts of culpable homicide and drunk driving after an accident that claimed the lives of a Pietermaritzburg family.
The victims were Mitchell Mahabeer, 43, his wife Veroshnie Ramparsad, 34, his mother-in-law, Lorraine Rampersadh, 57, brother, Jesse Mahabeer, 22, and his children Titus, 3, Leah, 6, Hannah, 7, and Isabella, 11.
The crash occurred near Umzumbe on the South Coast and claimed the lives of all four children and four adults. The family had been returning to their Northdale home after a family holiday. They were travelling in a VW Golf 1.
The businessman from Ramsgate was charged with drunk driving and at the time Thandeka Joyful Shelembe, a provincial inspector for Road Traffic Inspectorate, testified that at the accident scene his (the businessman’s) breath had a "strong alcohol smell".
Joe Addoola, from Pietermaritzburg and the uncle of the late Mitchell Mahabeer, said their family had lost so many people at once due to a drunken driver.
“On that day most of the Mahabeer family was wiped out. My nephew and his family were returning home from a holiday on the South Coast and unfortunately met their end. We never expected something so devastating to happen to them.
“The drunk driver swerved from the oncoming lane and hit them in a head on collision. His whole vehicle went over them, killing all eight of them instantly. I will never forget the accident scene. It was gruesome. Their bodies were in pieces,” he says.
He said he supported the implementation of a six year imprisonment for drunk drivers.
“Losing them to a drunk driver has hurt the family deeply. It has been some years but we still remember the time they died. The rule should be implemented to stop drinking and driving. Those who face imprisonment will learn to never drive under the influence. It will also prevent bribing.
“Innocent people like our family, lost their lives because of another person's mistake. Up to now, we never received justice for Mitchell and his family. The businessman got off scot-free and we never got justice. We hope this new policy will prevent other families from feeling the injustice we felt,” said Abdoola.