Zwartkop couple die in car crash
“The most outstanding quality of their marriage to me, was the fact that they loved each other’s children from their previous marriages, as their own. There was no distinction between the children in this respect.”
The death of a Zwartkop, Centurion couple in a gruesome motor vehicle accident on Friday evening has left their loved ones devastated.
Wynand Wagener (54) and his wife, Charné Wagener (43) were involved in an accident around 19:45 between Nellmapius Road and Midstream Boulevard.
Bernadette van der Merwe, a friend of Charné since schooldays, said the couple were entrepreneurs managing their own business enterprises, and previously lived at Midstream estate.
The couple got married three years ago, it was a second marriage for both of them, Van der Merwe said.
“The most outstanding quality of their marriage to me was that they loved each other’s children from their previous marriages as their own. There was no distinction between the children in this respect.
“It is tragic, especially in light of what this family had already been through. The children are shocked, we’re all devastated.”
Van der Merwe said Charné lost her daughter, Tamzyn at the age of seven, a few years ago, in a freak accident involving a trailer that fell on her.
“And then Wynand’s son, Jacques died in a car accident last year aged 23.”
Rekord reported in June last year about the passing of Jacques Wagener who died in a vehicle collision in Rooihuiskraal.
“They leave behind three children, Kehnyn van der Spuy (21), Mieke Wagener (22) and Nina Wagener (18).
“I believe they died together because it would have been unbearable for one of them to face yet another tragedy on their own.”
Van der Merwe described the Wageners as an inspirational, loving couple who always helped anyone in need despite their own challenges.
“Their door was always open to all. It had always been lovely to visit them. Everybody loved gathering at their home enjoying their hospitality and pleasant company.”
Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabasa said the incident was reported around 20:06.
“It was reported that two vehicles collided on Midstream Boulevard and Nellmapius Road,” Mabasa said.
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“A man and a woman, who were trapped in one of the vehicles, were declared dead on the scene by paramedics. The patient from the second vehicle sustained minor to moderate injuries,” Mabasa said.
Mark Laros, acting chairperson of CPF sector 3 for Wierdabrug, described the accident scene as “gruesome”.
“We blocked off the road between Nellmapius Drive and Brakfontein Road on Midstream Drive,” Laros said.
CPF members said the children were “severely traumatised” and Rekord had not been able to successfully contact the family members.
According to Van der Merwe, no funeral arrangements have been made yet.
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