Upper Highway community unites to aid families after tragic accident

The upper highway community and businesses have rallied together to help the families of two women, one fighting for her life and the other who died after they were run over while walking home from work.

Pratiksha (Kiasha) Haripersad, 21, and Simone Ganesan, 15, were walking to their homes in Gillits after leaving work in Kloof on June 23 when tragedy struck on the M13 highway.

Haripersad died on the scene and Ganesan is in a critical condition in hospital.

Haripersad's dad, Sunjeeth, said Pratiksha's death was a huge loss to the family.

"I usually fetch both girls from work. On that day Pratiksha called when I was at work to say not to pick them up. I did not know they were going to take a walk home as it was about 30 minutes from their work.

"I then got a call from Brett, from the Kloof Spar where they both worked, informing me of the accident. By the time I got to the scene Pratiksha had passed away," said Sunjeeth.

He said both women were struck by two vehicles as they walked on the side of the roadway.

"Pratiksha had been working for three years. She and I were the only ones working at home. She used to help with the groceries, school fees for her siblings and other expenses at home," he said.

Sunjeeth said the community has helped with the funeral and the associated prayers.

A relative of Simone, who did not want to be named, said doctors have told the family to prepare for the worst.

"She is very critical and has been in a coma since the accident. She developed a lung infection from being on the ventilator and has brain damage.

"It is now in the hands of God. It is extremely stressful and heartbreaking to see Simone in this condition," said the relative.

She said Simone was working part-time in the bakery section. Simone was in Grade 10 at Wyebank Secondary School.

The relative said the local community has been very thoughtful and helpful.

Kloof resident, Paul Elliott, who runs Braai Bru, a social media page where people share their braai stories, has started a crowdfunding page on Backabuddy to raise funds for both families.

Elliott's message on Backabuddy said: "The Upper Highway community and Kloof Village Mall Superspar have also lost a community member and colleague, who was a gentle and quiet young lady, but always full of smiles. She will be sorely missed by many regulars who shop at the Village Mall Spar, as well as friends and staff she worked with.

"Whilst Simone recovers in ICU, please may we ask that you keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers, we wish her a speedy and full recovery."

It further stated that the purpose of the campaign was to help with any medical bills, as well as financial support for both families.

"The Braai Bru team, its followers and affiliates will do the best we can to provide as much support as possible," said the message.

Elliott said he knew the girls from his visits to the store.

"We have thus far raised about R26 000. My target is about R50 000 to R75 000. I will share the money between both the families to help with the expenses.

"The upper highway community has come together to help out," he said.

Sunjeeth said he was thankful to the community and Elliot for initiating the Backabuddy campaign.

Brett Venton, owner of the Village Mall Superspar, described Pratiksha and Simon as fantastic young girls.

"Pratiksha's passing is a terrible loss to her family and colleagues. She seemed very quiet, but it's amazing how many people she touched.

"It is an emotional and trying time. We are all praying for Simone to recover. The community has been very good. One woman even delivered meals," said Venton.

He said it was a mystery as why they decided to walk home that day or why they were on the road at that time.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/the-simone-pratiksha-fund

SUNDAY TRIBUNE