A group of Phoenix residents held a candlelight vigil in memory of a 9-year-old girl who died in the hospital after being knocked down by a car on Stonebridge Drive on Wednesday.

Semihle Thembelihle Njokweni, a Grade 3 learner at Phoenix Pioneer Primary School, died after being rushed to the hospital. The Phoenix police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Semihle lived with her family in Pholo Park informal settlement near Stonebridge Drive.

According to First Life EMS, they had attended the scene and transported the child to the hospital in a critical condition, while the driver had gone to the Phoenix police station to report the matter.

Berlinda Belcher, a community activist, and organiser of the vigil, said the purpose of Friday’s vigil was not only to support the family emotionally but also to highlight safety issues for school children.

Belcher said they honoured the child’s memory, prayed with the family, and showed solidarity. She said the impact of the vigil showed that people can unify in sorrow and stand together in community spirit.

“A heartfelt community came together, despite challenges. We had people showing solidarity in grief and remembrance for her. We transcended differences, focusing on compassion over division. Semihle’s life got wrapped in love via shared reflection,” she said.

Belcher said the vigil also highlighted Phoenix’s heartbeat of people caring when it matters.

“It felt like people genuinely wanted to be with each other in acknowledging loss, no politics, just shared humanity. That is powerful,” she said.

Michelle Lutchman, eThekwini Ward 48 councillor, said this incident, however, also highlights a longstanding and critical issue on Stonebridge Drive.

Lutchman said she had met with the family and the driver’s employee to resolve all issues.

“For years, we have submitted numerous requests to the eThekwini Transport Authority to install traffic calming measures, such as speed humps. We have taken our appeals to the highest levels, including provincial offices, but our pleas have consistently fallen on deaf ears. The department has repeatedly denied our requests, citing that the road ‘does not qualify’ for speed humps under their policy,” she said

Lutchman said it was a heartbreaking incident that has polarised the community. She is aware of the delay in implementing speed calming measures.

“This bureaucratic inaction has left our community vulnerable. I implore all motorists to exercise extreme caution on Stonebridge Drive. We also urge the relevant authorities to reconsider their stance and prioritise the safety of our residents over outdated policies,” she said.

Lutchman said she will continue to demand accountability and action to prevent another senseless loss of life.

The family could not be reached for comment.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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