A family of four consisting of a 58-year-old woman, her daughter and grandchildren were killed after bins with plums fell from a truck and hit them on Monday, 13 January 2025.
The incident, which led to their demise, took place along Drostdy Road. The family was on their way to purchase back to school items and other essentials when the tragedy befell them, reported IOL on 14 January 2025.
FAMILY OF FOUR KILLED AFTER BEING HIT BY BINS WITH PLUMS
The victims have been identified as Elsabe Bezuidenhout and her daughter 25-year-old Ingrid Marthinus. Her two grandchildren, eight-year-old Jesnice and nine-month-old Lee John Marthinus, also lost their lives after the freak accident.
Billy Claasen, Executive Director of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, detailed the incident. He said the accident has even affected residents.
Claasen explained: “It is alleged that a truck approached from behind, and bins full of plums fell off the vehicle, striking the family of four. Elsabe and her daughter died instantly at the scene due to the impact.”
GRANDCHILDREN LATER DIED IN HOSPITAL
The younger victims, Jesnice and Lee John, were hospitalised after the incident, but the eight-year-old passed away later on Monday. Nine-month-old Lee John tragically succumbed to his injuries early on Tuesday.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, colleagues, and other farmworkers affected by this tragedy,” expressed Claasen.
Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and also mentioned witness accounts. “Tulbagh SAPS opened a culpable homicide docket for further investigation following an incident at about 10am on Monday, January 13, 2025, on Drostdy Road in Tulbagh.
“According to witness accounts, the four involved in the accident were walking towards town from the farm Vooruitsig in Tulbagh when a truck, which was transporting plums, lost its freight at high speed at a bend on the road.”
TRUCK DRIVER ARRESTED
The 31-year-old truck driver has been arrested on multiple counts of culpable homicide. He will reportedly make his appearance at the local magistrates court once he has been charged.
WHAT PUNISHMENT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE METED OUT ON THE DRIVER AFTER THE DEATH OF THE FAMILY OF FOUR?
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