UPDATE: Family of fatal hit-and-run victim speaks out
The tragic death of 25-year-old Heinrich Cronje has left his parents and other family members distraught.
On Tuesday, 22 November, Heinrich Cronje’s parents, Hein, 57, and Susan Cronje, 50, spoke out about the tragic passing of their son, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident on 12 November on the N12.
The death of 25-year-old Heinrich on that Sunday morning has left his parents, his brother-in-law, Rocky Wyngaardt, his two sisters and their children distraught. One of his sisters told their parents that she wished she could just phone Heinrich one last time.
Read the initial article here: Hit and run tragically ends 25-year-old’s life
His funeral was held on Friday, 17 November, at the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk Westonaria-Oos. Leaving aside the family and friends who sat in the gallery, there were 451 people at this massive funeral. Among them was a busload of staff and friends from Laerskool Modderfontein and Hoërskool Westonaria.
Famous local singers, Tanya V and Riaan van Niekerk also attended and sang during the service.
The family were told that his colleagues said, when they heard the news of his death, that it was as if the mine stood still. He was always making jokes with them and was the cheerful one.
During the Herald’s interview with the parents, Susan clutched her son’s portrait and cried every now and then. They described their beloved son as a lovable, peaceful, cheerful person, who could light up even the most morbid event. Last December, he went to Jeffrey’s Bay and made many new friends who are sending their condolences via social media.
Also Read: Hit-and-run victim – the mystery and the tragedy
Johan van Wyk, a friend of the family, said that Heinrich loved his parents so much. He would come home late during weekends and crawl into bed, next to his mom. According to Van Wyk, “They [Heinrich’s parents] were his Alpha and Omega.”
Shortly before his death, Heinrich, who worked at a mine in Cullinan, told his father not to be concerned about the retrenchments taking place there, because he had big plans and dreams.
They were a very close family, and on Saturday evening, they all attended a family member’s 30th birthday party. That was also the last time his parents saw him.
What happened after he left the celebration remains a mystery which they are investigating. Rumours are flying, and many questions remain unanswered, so much so that Heinrich’s family and friends cannot find closure.
The Westonaria Police spokesperson,Warrant Officer Raymond Sebanyane, said that a docket of culpable homicide is under investigation.
Heinrich was reported missing on Sunday. On that fateful morning, a vehicle allegedly knocked him down, but the driver failed to stop. A second vehicle also allegedly drove over him.
The driver of a passing vehicle stopped and called for help. Cronje’s body was taken to the Carletonville mortuary, where he was identified on Monday morning, 13 November.
The family wishes to thank all the family members, friends, the community and everyone who helped at the church and supplied refreshments, for their love, support and the many messages of condolence that have been streaming in on social media since Heinrich’s untimely passing.
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