Brothers die in chase crash
AN ALLEGED high-speed chase following a bar brawl has resulted in the death of four friends, while two others have been left with injuries.
Brothers Bradley Padayachee, 32, a machine technician, and Branden Padayachee, 29, a stock controller, along with Mpilo Nyawo and Somfana Ndabandaba, died in an accident on the R102 just before the Tugela Road Bridge early on Sunday. The group was travelling in Branden’s Golf 3 GTI.
According to a report on the emergency services IPSS Rescue Facebook page, the single vehicle accident occurred when the driver lost control of the car. It rolled multiple times before hitting a tree.
The two survivors, who could not be reached for comment, sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
According to the siblings’ brother-in-law, Lenny Gounden, the brothers had left their home to go to a local bar to play pool.
“We have been told by one of the survivors that at the bar a brawl started between Branden and another man, known to us.
“The man went out into the parking area and broke Branden’s car window before getting in his vehicle and driving off,” claimed Gounden.
He said the survivor told him his brothers-in-law and their friends had got into Branden’s car and chased after the man.
“During this chase we believe that Branden lost control of the vehicle.”
Gounden said a police reservist, who was at the scene and who knew Branden, sent another officer to his mother, Manormoney Padayachee, with news that her sons were involved in an accident.
“She contacted me and my wife and I rushed to the scene. We could not believe they were gone.”
The siblings’ sister, Prenessa Cassim, described the brothers as close.
“They always spent time together, watching television or listening to music. Bradley was always happy and Branden was very caring and emotional.”
Cassim said their father, Vasudevan Padayachee, died 20 years ago when they were very young and since then they rallied around their mother to support her.
“They were the breadwinners of the family, and with my help, took care of our mother and youngest brother, Adrian. This is a difficult time for us.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said a case of culpable homicide was being investigated.