YOUNG LIFE CUT SHORT

Prayer helps family cope after tragic accident

DIA Nana loved dogs and wanted to become a vet. But last Thursday, the 11-year-old died in hospital following a car accident on July 30.

Dia, a Grade 5 pupil at Chelsea Preparatory School, was sitting in a twoseater Porsche when the car crashed into shops along Johannes Nkosi (Alice) Street on July 30.

Her brother, Mihir, 8, in Grade 2 at the same school, suffered a broken leg and head injuries.

Their father, Mishal Nana, a businessman, was driving the car. He sustained injuries to his shoulder and hand.

Nana was discharged from hospital but re-admitted this week to undergo shoulder surgery.

Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, said: “Paramedics arrived on the scene around 11pm to find carnage. A single luxurious sports vehicle had somehow lost control and crashed into shop fronts on the roadside.”

He said Dia had been ejected from the vehicle on impact.

“She was in a critical condition and needed advanced life support intervention to stabilise her. She was placed on a manual ventilator before being rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent care.”

Jamieson said her brother was found in the wreckage.

“He, too, had sustained critical injuries and was also stabilised on the scene before being rushed to a nearby hospital for further care.

“The father had sustained moderate injuries and was treated on scene before being transported to a hospital.” Last Thursday, Dia died in hospital. The siblings lived with their mother, Deepika Bhikha, in Effingham.

Shetal Kissun, the mom’s sister, said Dia and Mihir’s parents were divorced, and the children were spending the weekend with their dad.

Kissun said during the early hours of Sunday, Bhikha received a call from the hospital informing her that the children were involved in an accident.

“Mihir was critical, but his condition has improved. Everything that has happened is so unbelievable. The children are everything to Deepika.

“They share such a close relationship with her. They did everything together.

Our family are rallying around Deepika in support and prayer to see her through this difficult time.”

Kissun said Dia loved her brother. “Dia was kind, bubbly and caring. She had so many friends. Children were drawn to her because of her character and caring nature. She loved her cousins and adored her grandparents. She was

a child who never had anything ill to say. Dia was protective over her brother and mother.”

She said Dia was a high achiever in both academics and sport.

“Dia was a bright child. She excelled in maths and was one of the winners of a maths Olympiad. She played the guitar, chess, hockey, and, more recently, netball. She was an all-rounder.

“Dia had dreams of travelling to London and becoming a vet. She loved dogs. I remember from the time she was little, she loved this little baby kangaroo plush toy.”

Kissun thanked everyone for their prayers.

Dia was cremated at the Clare Estate Crematorium on Sunday.

At her funeral, Grant Maartens, her school principal, said: “No words can express and do justice to the life of Dia that we lost so sadly and at such a young age. Dia was an exuberant, fun-loving young girl in school who always had a smile.”

Maartens said he had memories of Dia going to the school’s front office with a smile.

“We want to thank Dia’s mother for giving us the privilege at Chelsea Prep of getting to know Dia for the last four and a half years. We have had the privilege of being part of her journey of learning. Dia touched the hearts of all of us at Chelsea, and she touched many other people’s hearts.”

Maartens read out comments from Dia’s report cards that were written by her teachers.

“Dia works hard and gives off her best. I am proud of how much she has grown,” said one teacher.

Another said: “Dia is a very sweet and friendly girl. I am very pleased with the overall progress Dia has shown. Her work is always neat, and she always tries her best.”

Others described her as delightful with a strong personality.

“Her motivation and diligence ensure she produces a high standard of work.

“She is an enthusiastic learner who takes extreme pride in her work. She is an asset to the school and her class. She always comes to school with a positive attitude.

“Well done, Dia. I hope to see you shine very bright.”

Maartens said Dia’s spirit would forever shine.

Mishal Nana’s family declined to comment.

Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a provincial police spokesperson, said a case of culpable homicide was being investigated.