Update
GEORGE NEWS - More than a week after an accident claimed the life of her sister-in-law, Monique van Zyl (29) is recovering in the Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town.
Van Zyl was a passenger in Danielle van Jaarsveld's (41) Kia Rio when they were involved in a head-on collision with a black Audi Q5 on the road between the Sedge Links golf club and Swartvlei Beach on Sunday 6 November at about 16:00.
The road is known for its serpentine bends and bumps and there are signs warning motorists to keep to the speed limit of 60km/h.
The Rio was smashed beyond repair. At this stage it is unclear exactly how the accident happened, but from what can be deduced, impact was at a high speed.
The two are believed to have been on their way to the beach when the Audi came from the opposite direction and the two cars collided.
Both were transported to hospital, but Van Jaarsveld succumbed to her injuries on the way there. She was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
The driver of the Audi, an employee of Tavcor Motor Group, and his passenger, escaped without any serious injuries.
Independent investigation
Tavcor dealer principal Paul Balmer said that at this stage he is in no position to elaborate on any events that led up to the accident, but that Tavcor has commissioned an independent investigation into the incident and is awaiting the outcome.
"I cannot comment on any speculation or rumours from the public, but I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Danielle van Jaarsveld and I wish Monique van Zyl a full and speedy recovery," he said.
Balmer said the Audi was brought from Sedgefield to Tavcor on the Monday after the accident. At that stage they were not aware that it formed part of a police investigation.
"The vehicle is available for them [the police] to inspect and I will offer my full support in order to carry out a full investigation. I instructed my team to ensure that the vehicle was safe to be stored at our premises and that it held no fire risk following the impact of the accident," Balmer said.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Lt Col Malcolm Pojie confirmed on Tuesday that both the vehicles would be inspected by the relevant department.
"The initial charge was one of reckless and negligent driving as the occupants of both vehicles sustained injuries. However, later the driver of the Kia unfortunately succumbed to injuries sustained.
"Subsequently the initial charge was changed to that of culpable homicide. The inspection of both vehicles forms part of the investigation," Pojie said.
Danielle van Jaarsveld was killed in a horror crash near Sedgefield on Sunday 6 November.
Long road to recovery
According to a family member, Van Zyl was flown to Groote Schuur on Monday morning, 14 November, for an operation to her badly damaged pelvis after she had already undergone surgery to her leg in George.
"She has a very long road to recovery. The repercussions of this 'accident' are far-reaching. We don't know if she is going to be in Cape Town for two weeks or two months, but we pray that Monique will be home for Christmas. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who are supporting us through this time," said the family member.
Previous article: Beautiful life lost in horror crash
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
