Ruling leaves Stander family at peace

DURBAN: Cherise Stander, wife of Olympic cyclist Burry Stander, said she would pray that God give “peace” to taxi driver Njabulo Nyawose, who was yesterday sentenced to three years behind bars for the culpable homicide of her husband.

On her Instagram account Cherise, who is overseas, posted a picture of Burry and a message:

“I believe that what needs to happen will happen. God is in control and I pray that He gives peace to those who need it – including the driver. I cannot imagine that this has been an easy road for him (Nyawose) either or that he intentionally killed Burry.”

Stander, 25, who had been cycling in Marine Drive towards Port Shepstone from Shelly Beach, died when his bicycle hit Nyawose’s taxi in January 2013.

The taxi had been travelling south in Marine Drive when it allegedly moved into the north-bound lane and turned right into Stott Street.

Stander’s mother Mandie, who attended every day of the trial, said the effective three-year sentence handed down by Port Shepstone Magistrate Charmaine Barnard was “realistic” and she accepted it.

“I was not looking for revenge. Hopefully this sentence will give motorists a wake-up call and make them considerate to others.”

Mandie, who in a victim impact statement described how her life changed after her son’s death, said she was relieved the trial was over.

Magistrate Barnard said Nyawose had acted with gross negligence when he turned his taxi over a solid barrier line and crashed into Stander.

She sentenced him to six years in jail with three years suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of culpable homicide in the period of suspension.

She found that Stander had not been negligent, calling him a “patriotic” athlete at the “prime of his career”, a loving son and husband.

“South Africa is poorer for his loss,” she said.