Vigil held for young boy killed in road accident

Eight-year-old Willem “Jaco” Jacobus Kruger was fatally struck by a truck on Ermelo Road on Monday afternoon. Jaco’s mother, Aletta Kruger, treated the young boy and his brother, Frikkie, to some ice cream at a shop near their home when tragedy struck.

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According to a family friend, Des Pratley, the three crossed Ermelo Road on their way home from the shop when Jaco broke away from the family. He turned around and walked back in the direction of the shop and was hit by the truck.

Jaco, who suffered severe head injuries and a broken femur, was airlifted to a hospital in Benoni, where he immediately underwent emergency surgery. Doctors were, however, unable to save him and Jaco succumbed to his injuries and died on Tuesday morning. Des said Jaco was a lively boy who loved his mother very much and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Aletta is devastated but wants to thank the residents of Largo for their unwavering support and kind words which have helped her navigate this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are yet to be made but the family wishes to lay Jaco to rest on a family farm in Cullinan. On Tuesday evening, the Largo community gathered on Ermelo Road and held a candle vigil for Jaco. Dozens of residents paid their respects by lighting candles and placing them by a small cross erected for Jaco where the accident took place.

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A prayer and some encouraging words were offered and the vigil concluded with a rendition of Amazing Grace. Although the truck driver was driving within the speed limit, numerous and often fatal accidents occur on Ermelo Road due to cars exceeding the speed limit. Residents have requested the municipality install at least two-speed humps to reduce the number of accidents. The Springs Advertiser is awaiting comment from the City of Ekurhuleni.

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