Woman Robbed While Dying In Fatal Taxi Crash
The family members of a woman who tragically lost her life in a fatal taxi crash are now grieving not only for their loved one but also for the loss of faith in humanity.
Fredelene Tarentaal, along with five women and four men, was involved in a devastating accident in Kariega over the weekend. However, instead of offering assistance, witnesses to the crash allegedly took advantage of the situation, robbing the injured passengers and looting the vehicle.
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Levonia Tarentaal, Fredelene’s heartbroken cousin who was also in the taxi, described the incident as a nightmare come to life. She recounted how all the passengers were thrown out of the vehicle during the accident. Fredelene, lying on the road with her arms clutched to her chest and hands covering her face, was helpless as the tragedy unfolded.
Levonia, who was briefly unconscious, regained consciousness to the sound of commotion above her. When she opened her eyes, she saw her cousin lying on a small hill while people were looting the taxi just a few meters away. Shockingly, the looters took everything they could get their hands on, from speakers to wheels, completely disregarding Fredelene’s cries for help.
According to Levonia, the perpetrators even went as far as to rob the other victims, stealing their cellphones, money, and even clothing from their bodies. Despite pleas for assistance, the looters continued their heartless actions until Fredelene’s voice fell silent.
Police spokesperson, Captain André Beetge, confirmed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn and land in the bushes alongside Kamesh Road. All occupants, including the driver, sustained injuries of varying degrees and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Levonia revealed that the taxi driver remained in the hospital with serious injuries, while the other passengers had been discharged. Levonia claimed that the looters persisted in their robbery despite the pleas of the victims. Even when one passenger attempted to intervene and check on Fredelene, he was unable to due to his own injuries.
The victims were left helpless and abandoned as the looters showed no remorse or concern for their well-being. According to Levonia, the driver deviated from the usual route home, even after being requested to slow down. Soon after, the taxi lost control, flipping over multiple times before finally coming to a stop.
Levonia, sitting outside the house where she and Fredelene often chatted, displayed her bruises and swollen hand as evidence of the traumatic experience. “Fredelene did not deserve to die like that,” Levonia expressed, her voice filled with sorrow. “She was a kind person, always attracting others with her vibrant personality. I will miss our conversations on this stoep,” she added, reminiscing about the cherished moments they shared.
While Levonia’s claims of robbery have not been officially confirmed by the police, they have urged anyone with information to come forward and report the incident. At present, the police are investigating the case as one of culpable homicide.
