‘Tragedy tree’ next to the R57 exit cut down
Great secrecy still reigns over who finally cut down the tree last week.
SASOLBURG.- The tree next to the R57 exit which recently claimed the lives of two young people in separate car accidents was cut down last week.
Nicky Pretorius (Jr.) died in hospital on 29 June after he and his brother Michael crashed into the tree on the way to Sasolburg the night before. Mrs. Gilene Groenewald died in the same place on the night of 28 September when her bakkie hit the tree.
Fierce debates have been waged by Facebook readers in recent weeks about the tree’s future. Many were in favour of the tree being cut down because it could not be seen by motorists at night where it stood close to a bend in the road. Others thought the tree should stay and that motorists should learn not to drive fast or carelessly in the exit.
In recent weeks, several individuals, members of political parties and local community organizations have threatened to remove the tree if the authorities do not do it themselves. Great secrecy still reigns over who finally cut down the tree last week.
For Mr. Nicky Pretorius (Sr.) and his family had a special meaning for the tree and memorial cross they erected here after “little” Nicky’s death.
“However, we don’t have a problem with the tree being down now. We don’t know who cut it down. I only heard last week that the tree was lying down. In time, after the branches have been removed and everything has been cleaned, we will erect a memorial for Nicky again,” says Mr. Pretorius.
In the meantime, his son Michael is making good physical progress after the accident, although he and his family are still suffering emotionally from “little” Nicky’s death.
“Michael is quite positive about his leg after the amputation. He already walks well on crutches, climbs stairs, washes dishes and makes his own bed. Next week we are going to see the people who will make his prosthesis. If the amputated part of his leg has shrunk enough, they can start work on his temporary artificial leg in the meantime. He should have his temporary leg before December, provided the amputated part has shrunk enough, otherwise he will have to go back too much for adjustments as it shrinks further,” says Mr. Pretorius.
* Various campaigns are still ongoing to raise money for Michael’s artificial leg. Anyone who wants to support the projects can visit Mr. Pretorius’ Facebook profile for more information.
People who would like to make monetary contributions can make a payment to NS Pretorius, Capitec, account number: 1960649688.
