Community will remember Jaco fondly
“He was very close to his mother and his brother and everyone in the community will miss him."
The Largo community has been left heartbroken by the death of Willem “Jaco” Kruger, who died on Tuesday morning following a road accident on Ermelo Road in Grootvaly the previous day.
Jaco, who was just a month shy of celebrating his ninth birthday and his brother Frikkie (6) were treated to ice cream after a long and hot Monday at school by their mother Aletta.
After receiving their ice cream, the three started walking back to their home to unwind, complete their homework and enjoy the rest of the afternoon in each other’s company.
Their gleeful afternoon took a tragic and unimaginable turn, however, when a truck came down the road and struck Jaco.
According to a family friend, Des Pratley, Jaco broke away from the family and ran back across the road in the direction of the shop when the truck struck him.
According to Pratley, Jaco suffered severe head injuries, a broken femur and had to be airlifted to Sunshine Hospital in Benoni, where he underwent emergency surgery to try and save his life.
Also read: Vigil held for young boy killed in road accident
On Tuesday morning, the family received a phone call from the hospital informing them that they were unable to save Jaco, and he died in the early hours of the morning.
Jaco attended Kids Zone Aftercare and started Grade One at Strubenvale Primary School last year but had to be home-schooled for most of the year due to Covid-19.
“He was a lively little guy without a care in the world. He was very close to his mother and his brother and everyone in the community will miss him.
“He was loved by everyone and he will be dearly missed,” said Pratley.
Barbara de Jager, the caretaker at Kids Zone, said Jaco and Frikkie were inseparable.
“Their mom would drop them off and they would walk in with their little lunchboxes and sit on the floor and play. You could see they really cared for one another, Jaco always had his brother’s back.
“He was always seen laughing and got along well with the other children at the centre.
“I can confidently say that everyone at the centre will miss him and will always remember how special he was. He touched our lives with his wonderful personality.
“We also want to thank the Springs community for their efforts in raising funds for Jaco’s family,” she said.
Dozens of residents from this heartbroken community came together to pay their respects with a candlelit vigil on Tuesday evening.
Two crosses were erected on the side of Ermelo Road where the accident took place.
Residents took turns to light candles and place them on the ground in front of the crosses.
Prayers were said for Jaco and for the family to heal and forgive.
The vigil ended with a rendition of Amazing Grace.
Also read: ‘Roadblock’ turns into a nightmare for driver
Jaco’s death has further highlighted the need for speed humps to be installed on Ermelo Road.
Although the truck driver in this incident was adhering to the speed limit, numerous and often fatal accidents frequently occur on this road due to cars driving at excessive speeds.
The Grootvaly community has implored the City of Ekurhuleni to take action to slow down traffic in this area.
De Jager and Kids Zone has set up a fund-raising effort to help the family with funeral expenses.
To help the family, call 065 211 6179.The Advertiser is awaiting comment from the City of Ekurhuleni.
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