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What was meant to be a joyful return home after a Christmas celebration has turned into a nightmare that has left an Ekurhuleni family, a community, and several schools broken with grief.
Five members of the same family — three children and two adults — lost their lives in a devastating car crash on Saturday morning, shattering the festive spirit and plunging Tamboville in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, into deep mourning. The tragic accident occurred on the N1 near Wallmansthal, outside Pretoria, as the family was travelling back from a Christmas gathering in Polokwane.
The deceased have been identified as 72-year-old Betty Shawe, 33-year-old Makie Shawe, and three young children: Samkelo Nyandeni (12), Lesedi Leshaba (16), and Lesego Leshaba (9). An 11-year-old boy survived the crash and is currently fighting for his life in hospital, clinging to hope as doctors work tirelessly to save him.
According to Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane, the crash happened at approximately 08:00 when the vehicle collided with a bridge. The exact cause of the accident remains unknown and is under investigation.
But for the family left behind, answers cannot undo the pain.
The devastating news spread quickly through Wattville and Benoni, sending shockwaves through the community and three local schools that the children attended. Homes that should have been filled with laughter and holiday stories are now silent, weighed down by sorrow and unanswered questions.
A relative of the family, Jemina Ramathobi, struggled to find words to describe the moment she received the call that changed everything.
“I was attending a funeral in Hammanskraal when my phone rang,” she recalled, her voice heavy with emotion. “When I was told that they were gone, it felt unreal — like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. We are completely devastated.”
Ramathobi spoke fondly of the lives lost, painting a picture of a family full of love, dreams, and promise.
Lesedi and Lesego, her grandchildren, were ambitious young girls who dreamed of becoming nurses one day — inspired by a desire to help others and make a difference in the world. Lesedi, a learner at Wordsworth High School, was eagerly preparing to enter matric next year, excited about her future and determined to succeed. Her younger sister, Lesego, attended St Francis Preparatory, where she was known for her bright smile and gentle spirit.
Samkelo Nyandeni, a learner at Arbor Primary School, was remembered as a humble, joyful boy who loved dancing and brought energy wherever he went. His laughter and enthusiasm made him a favourite among his peers and teachers alike.
Betty and Makie Shawe, the two women who also lost their lives, were described as loving, respectful, and deeply devoted to their family. Betty, the eldest, was a pillar of strength whose wisdom guided generations, while Makie was a caring mother whose life revolved around her children’s happiness and well-being.
As news of the tragedy spread, Arbor Primary School shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook, expressing its sorrow at the loss of one of its own.
“It is with deep sadness that we wish to let our Arbor community know about the passing of our beloved Samkelo,” the post read. “Samkelo and his mother passed away in a car accident over the weekend. Please keep the family in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Teachers and staff shared emotional tributes, speaking about the positive impact Samkelo had on their lives and the joy he brought into the classroom. Similar messages of condolence poured in from Wordsworth High School and St Francis Preparatory, as classmates, educators, and parents struggled to come to terms with the loss of young lives filled with so much potential.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced on South Africa’s roads, especially during peak holiday travel periods. But beyond the statistics and investigations lies a family torn apart, dreams cut short, and a community left asking why.
The funeral service for the five family members is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Youth Centre in Wattville, from 07:00 to 10:00. As mourners gather to say their final goodbyes, they will remember not just how these lives ended, but how they were lived — with love, hope, and dreams for a brighter future that will now live on only in memory.
