Simba Mhere’s dad speaks out

I often ask myself why God didn’t take me instead, says father of the TV presenter.

Top Billing presenter Simba Mhere and Kady-Shay O’Bryan died in collision.

The driver who caused the collision that killed Top Billing presenter Simba Mhere and KadyShay O’Bryan has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.

“Culpable homicide is one of the most serious crimes one can commit. Road users generally don’t feel safe,” Magistrate David Mahango said while handing down sentence yesterday. “I cannot understand what could have influenced him to drive so recklessly. The only realistic punishment is a term of imprisonment.”

Mahango said he could not disregard the level of road carnage in South Africa and that ordinary road users were tired of such behaviour.

Mhere and his friend KadyShay O’Bryan were killed in a car collision involving three cars, which happened on William Nicol Drive in Fourways, Johannesburg, on January 31, 2015.

Preshalin Naidoo, 27, was found guilty of two counts of culpable homicide in January. He had been driving at over 200km an hour shortly before the crash.

The public gallery was filled with friends and family members of Naidoo. Some were crying after sentence was handed down.

Earlier, state prosecutor Dinesh Nandkissor said Naidoo chose not to plead guilty and made the families relive the incident, putting Mhere’s father through anguish.

He added Naidoo did not take the stand, where he could have apologised to the families of Mhere and O’Bryan.

“What message is being sent to the public if the accused is given a suspended sentence?” Nandkissor asked.

He said the court needed to remember that Naidoo was found guilty of causing the deaths of Mhere and O’Bryan and that it should not be taken lightly.

“He is a licensed driver and should’ve known that there were other people on the road.”

Nandkissor said Naidoo making payments to O’Bryan’s child were irrelevant because she was already well looked after.

“At no stage did he take responsibility for his actions. Correctional supervision is not an appropriate sentence.”

Following proceedings, the Mhere and O’Bryan families said they felt the sentence was appropriate, although it would not bring back their loved ones.

“It does bring closure to an extent,” said Mhere’s father, Joseph.

The matter has been postponed to today for the state to respond to Naidoo’s leave to appeal application. Mahango remanded Naidoo into custody. – ANA

I cannot understand what could have influenced him to drive so recklessly

David Mahango Magistrate, Randburg Magistrate’s Court