Christmas trip ends in tragedy for Wattville family
The children who died were learners at Wordsworth High, Arbor Primary and St Francis.
The community of Tamboville in Wattville and three Benoni schools are reeling from shock after a devastating road accident claimed the lives of five family members on December 27.
The crash occurred on the N1 near Wallmansthal, outside Pretoria, leaving their loved ones shattered.
The deceased have been identified as 72-year-old Betty Shawe, 33-year-old Makie Shawe, and children Samkelo Nyandeni (12), Lesedi Lushaba (16), and Lesego Lushaba (9).
An 11-year-old boy reportedly survived the accident and is fighting for his life in hospital.
Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane said the vehicle crashed into a bridge at about 08:00.
“The cause of the crash is not known and will be subject to investigations,” Maremane confirmed.
The family had been returning from a Christmas gathering in Polokwane when the tragedy struck.
A relative, Jemina Ramathobi, expressed the deep shock felt by the family when Benoni City Times contacted her.
“I was at a funeral in Hammanskral when I received the call notifying me of their deaths. The situation is devastating; it feels like a nightmare,” she said.
Ramathobi shared fond memories of the deceased. She described Lesedi and Lesego, her grandchildren, as ambitious children who dreamed of becoming nurses.
Lesedi, a learner at Wordsworth High School, was set to enter matric next year, while Lesego attended St Francis Preparatory.
She remembered Betty and Makie as loving, kind, and respectful women, and Samkelo, a learner at Arbor Primary School, as a humble young boy full of life and a love for dancing.
Arbor Primary expressed their grief on Facebook, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we wish to let our Arbor community know about the passing of our beloved Samkelo.
“Samkelo and his mother passed away in a car accident over the weekend. Please keep the family in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Teachers shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting the positive impact Samkelo had on their lives.
The funeral service for the family is scheduled to take place on January 3 at the Youth Centre in Wattville, from 07:00 to 10:00.
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