People from across the country and various parts of the world have called for justice for the death of 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy, who was run over by hijackers at the McDonalds drive through in Malvern, Durban, last week.

The Grade 5 Penzance Primary School pupil, her family and her tutor were returning from a concert at the school on Wednesday night when a decision to grab a bite to eat took a tragic turn.

In a tragic turn of events, Zarah exited her mothers car and hid underneath it after she saw men with guns approach her mother. Moments later, the suspects ignored warnings that Zarah was under the vehicle and they ran over her.

The vehicle was reportedly found abandoned in the Chesterville area.

The untimely and tragic passing of Zarah has reverberated throughout the country, prompting widespread shock and grief on social media platforms and in Durban communities with messages of condolences continuing to pour in.

Raymond Sakloo demanded justice for Zarah. “Team Raymond Sakloo demands justice for Zarah Ramsamy and calls for President Ramaphosa and the Minister of Police, Provincial Commissioner to establish a specialised unit to catch the killers of our beautiful baby. Rest in Peace Zarah and condolences to Barnes and Shaida Ramsamy and our team will never rest until these perpetrators are found and sent to jail for life.”

A Facebook user said: “I pray and hope that those responsible face justice and are held accountable in this life and in every future existence for the suffering they have inflicted upon our entire nation. Especially her parents and loved ones.”

Blue Security, who joined the Malvern community in mourning the tragic loss of Zarah, said they stand united in support of her family, alongside community patrollers, security providers, CPF members, and residents of Queensburgh who gathered to honour her memory.

“Moments like these remind us of the deep impact of violent crime and the importance of coming together as a community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are grieving, and we remain committed to working for a safer future for everyone,“ said Blue Security.

ANC MP Imraan Subrathie, who attended the Zarah’s funeral service at The Embassy Church in Mayville on Saturday, said this tragic incident is a reminder of how vulnerable our children and communities are.

“I have committed to take this message of Zarah’s tragic passing away to the highest echelons of Parliament so we increase our activism and our fight against crime, and make our country and our communities a better place to stay,” said Subrathie.

Speaking after the service, Pastor Vernon Jacob said Zarah’s death is one too many.

“Our communities cannot be besieged by this type of sorrow and so we call on all of the fathers of the city, fathers of our nation, to pay attention to what’s going on in our communities,” said Jacob.

Jacob said for criminals to target a family at a restaurant 50m away from a police station shows that they have no fear of law enforcement.

KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga, visited the family on Friday.

The department said the visit began at the Bellair police station, where the officials also received a briefing on the ongoing investigation into the crime.

The MEC expressed her deep sorrow and condemned the senseless act of violence.

Barnes and Shaida Ramsamy, the parents of 11-year-old Zarah, who was killed after hijackers drove over her while fleeing in her mother’s vehicle at the McDonalds drive through in Malvern, Durban last week together with KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga. Picture: Supplied.

On Saturday, The Embassy Church shared a video of Zarah volunteering to assist the pastor deliver his Sunday message to the congregation.

The Mercury

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South Africans call for justice for Zarah Ramsamy, run over by hijackers in Durban