Somerset West police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a domestic worker succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident in the Erinvale Country and Golf Estate.

Warrant Officer Suzan Jantjies confirmed that the incident occurred on Thursday 8 October. Police were called to a local hospital, where the 34-year-old victim was admitted after allegedly being struck by a vehicle inside the estate. She succumbed to her injuries.

Jantjies stated that while the investigation is ongoing and in an early stage, a statement by “a person of interest” was taken by police.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, responded to the scene around 16:15 after hearing screeching and screaming. The resident alleges buttons from the victim’s clothing were strewn across the road and one of her shoes had come off. The victim was lying face-up in the road, screaming and communicating an inability to breathe. Her face was badly scraped.

A woman was holding the victim’s hands, offering comfort, and had placed a handbag under her head to apparently help with breathing.

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Ambulance sent

On enquiry, Erinvale estate management responded with a statement. “On Thursday 8 October, a contractor working on Erinvale estate turned into Lower Guardian Crescent and was involved in an accident with a domestic worker who was crossing the road. As the incident occurred near the main entrance gate, which serves as Erinvale’s operational hub, emergency services were contacted immediately and an ambulance attended the scene,” the statement read.

“She was transported to Helderberg Hospital but sadly passed away from her injuries later that evening. The incident is now the subject of a police investigation. Erinvale estate management has been cooperating fully with the authorities. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.”

Devoted mother

Social media was abuzz when a community member, who was among the first responders, took to Facebook and called for anyone with information on the deceased to help the medical facility inform her family of her passing. The post was shared by the woman who had assisted and comforted the victim at the scene.

The deceased was later identified as Monica Songeya and a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been launched by the organiser, a former employer for whom Monica had worked for well over a decade.

The campaign message honoured Monica as a woman of God, devoted mother, loving daughter and sister, faithful friend and inspiring entrepreneur. It further stated that her friends, colleagues and employers are inviting contributions to support her family during this difficult time, with every donation helping to preserve her legacy of integrity, kindness and joy.

‘Huge loss’

Monica’s brother, Alex Songeya, recalled being on the road, working as a truck driver, when he received the call with the news.

“I just could not believe that my sister, a healthy, God-fearing person, was gone. The reality soon started setting in when our family went to identify her body at the morgue the following day,” he said.”It is a huge loss for us.”

Alex described his sister as an open-hearted, understanding person who made others believe anything is possible. “She was like a mother to me, helping me through any challenges and encouraging me to chase my dreams.”

Monica is survived by her partner, whom she had planned to marry, her daughters aged 14 and three, her mother (52), three brothers and a sister.

A funeral service is being arranged for Monica’s burial in Malawi.