Mitchell's Plain family devastated after 6-year-old son dies in truck accident

A Mitchell's Plain mother is mourning the death of her second son after her 6-year-old was killed by a truck while playing outside on Friday.

The mother was too heartbroken to talk of her heartbreak after revealing that it is the second son she lost in just over a year.

Her 12-year-old son tragically passed away in a house fire in January 2024 and she now has to live without her baby Zachary Davids after the Springdale Primary School learner who was hit by a truck.

When the Cape Argus sister newspaper, the Daily Voice arrived at the family home, the same truck was standing in the road.

Grandfather, Willie Slaverse, said: “I was not there when the incident happened, when I arrived on the scene, I found my grandson covered. All I know is that the truck’s wheels went over his head. There has been a lot of misinformation about the incident saying that Zackie was playing on a bike and then hanging from the back of the truck. But it is not the truth and it hurts us as a family who just lost another son to see all these lies. This incident has been a tragedy for the family, especially for 10-year-old Carlo who witnessed both his brothers' deaths. The mother is in pain losing her baby while still trying to process her 12 year old son's passing last year. A couple of hours after the incident I went to the driver as a grandparent and as a driver myself because I felt the pain for him and I was also concern if the driver is OK. I asked him if he is alright and he told me 'I don't think anyone can be alright after an incident like this'. I advised the driver to go and see a doctor because he is not a young man." 

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said a culpable homicide case is under investigation and the family and driver were recommended for counselling by SAPS.

“Lentegeur police are investigating a culpable homicide case following an accident Friday morning where a 6-year-old boy was fatally injured by a truck in New Woodlands, Mitchell's Plain.

"The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. The child was declared deceased on the scene by ambulance medical personnel," said Van Wyk. 

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