Madhumathie Bunwarie was killed when a car battery was thrown off a bridge over the N3 highway on Sunday. Picture: Facebook
Following the tragic death of Madhumathie Bunwarie, who was killed when a car battery was thrown from a bridge along the N3 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has directed the Department of Community Safety and Liaison to collaborate closely with the SAPS to enhance police visibility and intensify patrols in high-risk areas.
The 62-year-old, from Mountain Rise in Pietermaritzburg, was travelling with her husband and two other family members after attending a funeral in Phoenix when a battery was thrown from a bridge along the N3 near the Pavilion shopping centre on Sunday.
The Premier, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned the reckless and senseless act.
Ntuli said Bunwarie was a cherished mother and pillar of her family.
He said her life had been cruelly cut short when a car battery, carelessly thrown from a bridge, struck her vehicle.
“This appalling act of mischief and criminal recklessness has not only robbed a family of a beloved mother, but it has shaken the entire KwaZulu-Natal community. We cannot, and will not, tolerate such inhumane and cowardly behaviour that brings untold pain and trauma to innocent people,” he said.
Ntuli said he has instructed the Department of Community Safety and Liaison to work closely with SAPS to increase police visibility and patrols in high-risk areas, particularly near bridges along major highways.
“We must ensure that incidents like these are prevented at all costs. The safety of our people is non-negotiable. Additional security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras and heightened monitoring of bridges, will be explored urgently to deter such cowardly acts of violence,” he said.
He called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the individuals responsible. “We need justice, not only for Mrs. Bunwarie but for all victims of violence and reckless criminality in our province.”
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. Ntuli said communities must stand united against those who seek to disrupt the peace and security of our province.
“May Mrs. Bunwarie rest in peace, and may her family find strength in this time of mourning. Let this tragic incident serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of compassion, responsibility, and collective vigilance.”
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Bunwarie's family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. No words can ease the grief they are feeling, but as a province, we mourn with them and promise to act.”
IOL reported that KZN police are investigating a case of culpable homicide
"Police in Westville are investigating a case of culpable homicide following an incident in which a 61-year-old woman sustained head injuries whilst in a vehicle. It is alleged that she was hit by a battery that came through the windscreen on September 24 on the N3, westbound," said provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Metro Police spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu, said more officers will be deployed to patrol the City's highways according to the report.
"Our highway patrol will play more attention to pedestrian bridges. We urge all members to please take caution in these areas and notify us immediately if they notice any suspicious activity along pedestrian bridges," he said.
The Mercury
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