Sukhari family devastated: drunk driver kills four despite warnings to police

THREE weeks after a drunk driver claimed the lives of four members of the same family on Diwali day, surviving relatives are speaking out about their devastating loss.

The Sukhari family is calling for stronger enforcement of drunk-driving laws after authorities allegedly failed to respond to warnings about the reckless driver before the fatal collision. A couple had recorded the driver’s reckless behaviour before the deadly crash and alerted law enforcement authorities who allegedly failed to act.

The October 20 accident, which happened between Sasolburg and Johannesburg, claimed the lives of Sewkumar “Smiley” Sukhari, 62; his wife Shanitha, 59; and their daughters, Trisha, 26, and Nicole, 24.

The Sukhari family were visiting friends, delivering Diwali sweetmeats, when tragedy struck.

In an interview on Monday, Sewkumar Sukhari’s brother, Vinesh Sukhari, alleged a drunk driver in a white bakkie veered repeatedly into oncoming traffic before colliding head-on with his family’s vehicle. He said the tragedy occurred on what should have been a sacred and celebratory day – Diwali.

“The accident occurred on an auspicious day for Hindus worldwide. Diwali, a festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. My family were visiting friends and delivering sweetmeats when the accident happened,” said Sukhari.

He said video footage taken by another couple who were travelling on the same road at the time, showed a white bakkie being driven recklessly by a man allegedly under the influence of alcohol. He claimed the couple who filmed the footage alerted both the South African Police Service and Sasolburg Traffic Police, but no intervention followed.

“Shortly thereafter, the driver of the white bakkie made a U-turn and travelled towards Sasolburg, where he collided head-on with my brother’s vehicle. The impact was catastrophic. It killed the drunk driver, Smiley, Shanitha and Trisha instantly. Nicole was airlifted to the Alberton Hospital in critical condition, where she fought for her life for five days before succumbing to her injuries.”

He said most devastating was how the news of the tragedy reached their family.

“Sadly, news of the accident only reached us the following day on October 21, around 3pm, on Facebook. Initial reports were unclear and confusing, and as details emerged, our worst fears were confirmed."

He said what followed was days of “unbearable pain” as their family navigated the logistics of identifying bodies, securing documents, and preparing for three funerals, all while praying for Nicole’s survival. However, she passed on the day before her family’s funerals.

“As preparations were finalised for the three funerals to be held on Sunday, October 26, Nicole passed away on Saturday morning, October 25, forcing the family to prepare for four funerals simultaneously. This was an unimaginable loss for any family to endure."

Sukhari said this crash could have been prevented had the relevant authorities responded to calls about the alleged drunk driver.

“Our family is shattered, and we continue to seek answers and justice for Smiley, Shanitha, Trisha and Nicole. We believe this accident highlights an urgent need for stronger enforcement of drunk-driving laws, improved police response, and public awareness around road safety."

The family has urged authorities to conduct a full investigation, review police response protocols, and strengthen enforcement and public education around drunk-driving.

Sukhari described each family member with affection and pride.

“One moment, they were here laughing, living, loving; and the next, they were taken away from us so suddenly in a horrific motor vehicle accident. We are devastated, distraught and heartbroken.”

He called Smiley “one of a kind”.

“His smile could light up a room, and his heart was as big as the world. He was warm, kind, generous and compassionate.”

He said Shanitha was “the heart of their home, quietly strong, deeply loving and endlessly caring”.

Trisha was described as a gentle, academically accomplished young woman.

“She was a chartered accountant working for KPMG and was full of grace. She had a bright future, filled with promise and one that was tragically cut short.”

Nicole was an engineer at Sasol, and had been predicted by colleagues to rise rapidly through the company.

“I was told she could have been made vice president at Sasol at the age of 37, but unfortunately that light turned into darkness when she succumbed to her injuries. This has broken us in ways words cannot express. But even in our pain, we must remember who they were, the love they gave, the joy they shared, and the example they set.

“Their legacy will forever remind us to live with compassion, cherish our loved ones, and fight for safer roads for all South Africans."

He said they would not stop seeking justice, nor stop calling for reforms that could prevent another family from enduring such a devastating loss.

- Law enforcement authorities are ramping up efforts to combat drunk-driving ahead of the festive season, with KwaZulu-Natal  ordering 2 500 blood and alcohol testing kits, and already arresting nearly 900 motorists.

Arrive Alive warns that drunk-driving remains “a massive challenge”, and calls for stricter enforcement and legal consequences.

Johan Jonck, from Arrive Alive, said driving under the influence of alcohol was one of the biggest problems in the country.

“We are pleased to see that there is an increase in enforcement activities trying to curb drunk driving. However, we would also like to see that the courts deal effectively with these offenders. There must also be an increased awareness among drivers that there will be consequences for reckless attitudes towards road safety. They must know they will not be able to bribe themselves away from the consequences of their actions,” said Jonck.

Recently, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, announced that 2 500 blood and alcohol testing kits had been ordered as part of intensified efforts to clamp down on drunk-driving ahead of the festive season.

Since August, more than 896 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving in the province.

Duma said most of those arrested were removed from the roads before they could cause harm.

“We have taken a decision to ensure massive arrests of drunk drivers over the next few weeks until the festive season and beyond,” he said.

Metro police spokesperson Colonel Victor Zungu said they would also clamp down on drunk-driving in the festive season.

“Those driving under the influence will be fined and arrested. Breathalyser tests will be taken and if levels are over the limit, evidence will be taken to court and the appropriate conviction will follow,” said Zungu.

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