Hit-and-run victim's family worry about how they will cope, want justice

The sister of the food courier killed in a hit-and-run on Sunday said his family depends on him to cover everyday expenses, and, now, they are concerned about how the young family will cope.

“He would send money every month to cover the children’s fees, school bills, housing bills, everything,” his sister, Nardevi Pun said. “His three children and wife depend on him. Now we are worried how his young family will cope.”

Khim Bahadur Pun, 42, from Nepal, was carrying his Wolt delivery bag when his motorcycle was hit by a Maserati car in Birkirkara at 5.25am on Sunday. A 17-year-old driver, who was arrested after fleeing the scene on Monday pleaded not guilty to causing his death and to driving under the influence.

Nardevi, 39, who lives in Nepal, said the family are deeply upset and shocked by her brother’s death.

Holding back tears, she said the last time she spoke to her older brother was the day before the fatal accident, on Saturday, when the two chatted briefly.

“He told me he was coming back to Nepal very soon. He told me that, after three or four months, he would be back,” she said.

The middle child of three siblings, Khim moved to Malta over three years ago to work as a courier. His younger sister said their parents are devastated by the news of his death, grieving at the loss of their youngest son.

“It was completely unexpected and they are overcome by sadness,” she said.

'Anger and frustration'

She described how the family was filled with “anger and frustration” over the loss of Khim, who she described as a “vibrant soul” taken away too soon.

Khim, right, with his younger sister, Nardevi, and their older brother.

“The circumstances surrounding Khim’s death are unacceptable. This was not an accident; it was a reckless act that resulted in the loss of a precious life. We demand justice for Khim,” she said, highlighting how the driver must be held accountable for their actions.

She said Khim’s wife was informed about her husband’s death by his brother’s wife. “She fainted when told and has not stopped crying since,” Nardevi said.

She said Khim’s eldest son, who is 14, knows about his father’s death. His younger son, eight, and his six-year-old daughter still do not know.

Khim’s sister described him as an honest and hard-working man. “He was a good person and always looked out for others in our community. He was always ready to help someone in need,” she explained. “My family and I are so sad and upset as we lost a huge pillar of our family.”

When the family found out the circumstances around Khim’s death, she said the family began to question law and order in Malta. “We want justice for Khim and his family. His family need support and must be kept informed about the case.”

€20,000 raised to repatriate the body, help the family

Pun’s body will be repatriated on Wednesday a final farewell will be organised by members of the Nepali community outside Mater Dei Hospital at  9am.

A vigil for Pun was held by Nepalese nationals near the crash site on Sunday evening, when they lit candles and prayed.

A fundraiser organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) had raised over €20,000 by late Monday to help his family and cover the funeral costs in Nepal.

“Seeing this huge support towards the GoFundMe page for Khim shows the kindness and solidarity not only within our own Nepali community but also from the Maltese and other friends around us,” NRNA president, Rems Khanal said.