Jackie Botha, the sister of a 52-year-old woman who tragically passed away following an accident on Saturday, about 5km from Dennesig on the N11 close to Botshabelo’s entrance, has described her passing as a great loss and tragedy to her and the family.

According to Jackie, Mrs Hellena Susana Harmse was travelling with her husband Gerhadus Harmse on the day of the tragic accident.

The couple were travelling with friends to Hellena’s son’s wedding at Buksie’s Pub and Grill. A day no one could have expected would end in tragedy.

It is said that they were travelling at a low speed because of the rainy weather, when, while crossing the Keerom Bridge shortly after 11:00, a taxi travelling in the opposite direction, at high speed, swerved into their lane and collided with their vehicle head-on.

The impact of the two vehicles left both drivers trapped.

Hellena sadly passed away at the scene.

“Our world was ripped apart. We are deeply shocked and heartbroken. No words can describe the void that is left in our lives. It’s a battle to accept the reality that she is no longer here with us; it feels so unreal. The pain is unbearable. We have been trying to deal with the tragedy of losing her,” said Jackie.

Jackie said they also sadly lost their grandmother the very next day, after two weeks of being in the ICU. She described the losses as both overwhelming and painful.

Hellena left behind her husband Gerhadus, her two children, her sister, and three grandchildren, all of whom will dearly miss her.

She was described by her sister as ‘a precious jewel and a radiant soul, who was kind-hearted and full of love and life’.

Jackie added that Hellena will be missed for her positive attitude and the warmth her presence brought to their lives. She was deeply loved by all who knew her.

Jackie said that as a family, they will remember her as their light, joy and their strength, and her loving legacy will eternally live on in their hearts.