Galeshewe family pleads for driver to come forward after daughter killed in hit-and-run

A GRIEVING Galeshewe family has made an impassioned plea to the driver involved in a suspected hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Cynthia Oliphant to come forward and take responsibility for her death.

The family, who reside in Phutanang, has been left with many agonising questions after only learning of the incident a month after her estimated date of death.

Cynthia’s mother, Paula Oliphant, said whoever was responsible should face a harsh sentence.

“The driver should remain behind bars for a long time. How would we know if she was murdered or raped? I have been struggling to sleep ever since my daughter left home on October 22. We were accustomed to her leaving home and coming back after a few days. We appealed on social media for anyone who had seen her to contact us when she never returned,” she said.

Paula’s twin sister, Paulina Oliphant, said that none of Cynthia’s friends knew of her whereabouts following her disappearance.

“Cynthia said she was going to look for work. She left school after completing Grade 8. We reported a missing person’s case at the police station.”

Paulina added that during their search, they encountered two women who informed the family that a person had been run over along the R31 road.

“A motorist apparently reported the matter to the police after realising that he had driven over something in the road. Upon climbing out of the vehicle, he discovered that it was the body of a person. We have no idea how long she was left lying in the road.”

Family’s worst fears confirmed

Paulina said she enquired at the state mortuary in Kimberley on November 25.

“Her grandfather and I managed to identify the deceased by a birthmark as well as the clothes she was last seen wearing.

“She sustained traumatic facial and head injuries and had scratches all over her body. The investigating officer concluded that she was involved in a hit-and-run accident. Her head was completely flattened after she was hit by a lorry or heavy-duty truck on October 29.”

Paulina questioned why the driver never stopped following the accident.

“We have been left in pain, and we do not have any funeral policies to give Cynthia a dignified funeral. How many more lives must be lost before the person responsible for the accident is held accountable?”

She added that Cynthia’s death had dealt a triple blow to her sister, who had lost her one-year-old baby last year, while Cynthia’s father had also passed away.

“It is too much grief and trauma for my sister to handle.”

Police investigating a hit-and-run

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Kimberley Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating a hit-and-run case.

“An 18-year-old woman was reportedly hit by a motor vehicle on October 29 on the R31 road at approximately 7:45pm. After the incident occurred, the motor vehicle allegedly failed to stop,” he said.

He requested anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact Warrant Officer Kelaegile Mosala on 082 302 0407 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Alternatively, the MySAPS app can be utilised.

“All information will be handled confidentially,” Shemane added.