Opinion / Columnist
BCC must be sued for negligence and wrongful death - ZUPA
20 Oct 2014 at 14:25hrs | Views
ZUPA which represents the interests of millions of economically disadvantaged people has been left at a loss for words after the death of a Pumula mother.
We are of the view that there are no words to describe this sadness .Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy.
The tragic incident must be thoroughly investigated by police.
We call on all local authorities not to rush into disproportionate actions to secure money owed but rather to proceed much more cautiously.
Many people are unemployed and have no viable sources of income.
It is not that they are unwilling to pay but they have no means of paying.
We hope all local authorities and government will recognize the plight of our people particularly woman and the youths.
The family of this woman who died after receiving a notice of intention to attach her property due to unpaid bill of $306 will be justifiable in suing the city council.
That the city council's negligence led to her wrongful death is beyond reasonable doubt. Using this poor and unemployed woman's house as a means to secure the amount owed appears to be a disproportionate response on the part of the local authority.
The family must claim funeral and burial costs, as well as loss of income because this woman of many was the income earner in their household.
It is also reasonable to conclude that, like many residents with no sources of income and unemployed, she was put under excessive pressure.
The excessive pressure resulted in the mother of six's tragic death. She ended up with no other alternative but leave as a consequence under horrendous fear.
All indications are that the local authority caused the death of this woman and that all must be done to get to the bottom of this wrongful death, which could have been avoided.
We are of the view that there are no words to describe this sadness .Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy.
The tragic incident must be thoroughly investigated by police.
We call on all local authorities not to rush into disproportionate actions to secure money owed but rather to proceed much more cautiously.
Many people are unemployed and have no viable sources of income.
It is not that they are unwilling to pay but they have no means of paying.
We hope all local authorities and government will recognize the plight of our people particularly woman and the youths.
The family of this woman who died after receiving a notice of intention to attach her property due to unpaid bill of $306 will be justifiable in suing the city council.
That the city council's negligence led to her wrongful death is beyond reasonable doubt. Using this poor and unemployed woman's house as a means to secure the amount owed appears to be a disproportionate response on the part of the local authority.
The family must claim funeral and burial costs, as well as loss of income because this woman of many was the income earner in their household.
It is also reasonable to conclude that, like many residents with no sources of income and unemployed, she was put under excessive pressure.
The excessive pressure resulted in the mother of six's tragic death. She ended up with no other alternative but leave as a consequence under horrendous fear.
All indications are that the local authority caused the death of this woman and that all must be done to get to the bottom of this wrongful death, which could have been avoided.
Source - ZUPA
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