Ladysmith teacher dies in hit and run
A LADYSMITH teacher was killed in an alleged hit and run accident on Willow Drive on Monday afternoon.
Kalay Chetty, 50, a head of department at Ladysmith Secondary School, was taking a walk with her friend, Shireen Moodley, when tragedy struck.
Chetty’s son, Devolin, said a neighbour told him that the two women were walking beside the road when a car crashed into them.
“My mother died at the scene and her friend, who managed to jump out of the way, escaped with minor injuries. Our neighbour ran to their aid, placed a blanket over my mom and called my dad and emergency personnel,” said Devolin.
He added the driver fled the scene but was later arrested at his home.
Chetty’s brother, Percy Naidoo, described her as a health fanatic.
“My sister and a group of women from the area would go on walks every afternoon.
“They walked for about 7km. She tried not to miss a day,” said Naidoo.
He added his sister was the family’s pillar of strength.
“Kalay was a dedicated mother and wife. She lived for her family.”
The school principal AN Govender said: “Kalay gave teaching her everything. She held tuition classes at the weekend and gave her pupils equal attention. She was one of the three original members of staff and a pioneer at our school.”
He added pupils were saddened by her death. Chetty will be cremated at the Ladysmith Crematorium today (Wednesday).
Police spokesman Colonel Jay Naicker said the 39-year-old suspect faced charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol and culpable homicide.
He will will appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court today.