Mother opens up after son’s death in accident
He was a qualified millwright at HAAS Automation and took much pride in his work.
“He was the apple of my eye,” Cecile Smit told Kempton Express on Monday after the tragic death of her 25-year-old son in an accident on Saturday morning.
Heinie Smit of Buitendag Street in Glen Marais died only blocks away from his home when his car hit a tree on Jacobus Street in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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According to Cecile he went out on Friday night to speak to his boss about work-related matters. “He loved his job and was working very late hours the past few weeks.”
He was a qualified millwright at HAAS Automation and took much pride in his work.
“He was travelling back from his boss’ house in Edleen. As I know him, he would have driven along Pretoria Road, Partridge Avenue and down Cactus Road past Herfsland, into Jacobus Street. We think he might have hit the pavement on the left and lost control of the bakkie,” Cecile said.
Hearing the impact in front of their house, the residents of the house went outside to see what had happened.
“Michelle Rabie was first on the scene and stayed with Hein even though he was already dead. They found his personal belongings scattered all over the sidewalk and phoned the emergency services. I thank God that Michelle was with my son at that moment. Although he was already gone, he was not alone. She promised me he was not in any pain,” said Cecile, crying.
When Cecile and her husband Basie received the news, they rushed to the scene.
“I was asleep on the couch after working late and didn’t know what time it was. When the doorbell rang I thought to myself, ‘Why is our gardener so early?’ I was not prepared for the news that followed,” she said.
“We have the most amazing support system among our family and all of Hein’s closest friends. They are here every day, whether it’s to make food or just to be around.”
Heinie was loved by his friends and was described as a trustworthy, loyal and compassionate guy who would always crack a joke and make you smile, even in the worst of times.
“He and his father were inseparable. They were best friends and had a bond you won’t believe.
“Ask any of his friends, his dad was his everything. He was a great person and an even better son – he was the apple of my eye,” said Cecile.
Hein was a big Blue Bulls supporter and loved to braai, go fishing and spend time with friends and family.
He leaves behind his parents, three sisters, four nieces and nephews and two grandmothers. He was an ex-pupil of Hoërskool Kempton Park.
His memorial service will be on Thursday, May 25 at the Zuurfontein Hervormde Kerk on the corner of Monument and Highveld roads at 10am.
