Windhoek
A six-year-old girl’s life changed drastically over the weekend when a driver who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol crashed into her, crushing both her legs which had to be amputated.
The bubbly and friendly Rejoice Kandukira had just started Grade One at St Barnabas Primary School in Katutura. She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
Rejoice, fondly known as ‘Ri’ at home, is the last born of four children and had an interest in modeling, but she now sadly faces life without her precious limbs.
Her mother Dominica Kandukira was inside their house early Saturday evening, while Rejoice and one of her older twin brothers sat on the stairs outside a school opposite their house, when suddenly there was a loud screeching sound and the pick-up slammed into her.
The accident happened at about 19h30 on Saturday in Kamberipa Street in Herero location. Rejoice was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital. Her mother said she was “stable and recovering”.
Kandukira, employed as domestic worker, said she is prepared to deal with life after her daughter is discharged from hospital by ensuring she goes back to school and fulfills her dream of becoming a doctor.
“I am prepared to carry her through. I don’t know how I will cope financially as I am the only one who looks after them,” said Kandukira, adding that her daughter’s father had passed away. Kandukira said the accident has left her devastated as she is still dealing with her mother’s death. The mother passed away in 2014.
“She (Rejoice) needs me more than before. I think I will not go back to work. And I wonder how I will feed the other children.”
Kandukira said that when she heard a banging sound she knew something was wrong. “I went outside and looked for her. Then I saw the elder brother standing next to the vehicle, only for me to find her lying on the ground,” said the emotional mother.
It was reported that the driver tried to run away from the scene of the accident but some members of the public caught up with him and brought him back to the accident scene.
The older brother witnessed the accident. Kandukira said she was not angry with the driver as she can’t reverse what has happened. “I don’t think the Lord would want that of me.”
“He (the driver) came to see me while we were at Katutura hospital, and looking at me he just stood and cried.”
“I can’t be angry. I know he is young. And I know his mother feels the pain. I feel sorry for him,” said Kandukira who did not attend court proceedings yesterday when the driver made his first appearance, as she was with her daughter in hospital. Kandukira said the family was praying for Ri’s speedy recovery as that is the only thing they can do.The 24-year-old driver, Kavari Njitunaje, appeared in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court yesterday. He was granted bail of N$4 000 and the case was postponed to April 23.