A devastating tragedy unfolded near Tulbagh in the Western Cape on Monday when a truck carrying bins of plums lost its load, leading to the tragic deaths of a family of four. The incident occurred along Drostdy Road, just outside the farm Vooruitsig, as the family was heading into town to buy school clothes and other essential items.
The victims were 58-year-old Elsabe Bezuidenhout, her 25-year-old daughter Ingrid Marthinus, and Ingrid’s two children: eight-year-old Jesnice and nine-month-old Lee John Marthinus. The horror began when a truck, travelling from behind, lost its unsecured load. The bins filled with plums fell off the vehicle, striking the family with devastating force. Elsabe and Ingrid were killed instantly from the impact, while little Jesnice succumbed to her injuries later at Ceres Hospital. Tragically, baby Lee John was airlifted to a nearby hospital but passed away on Tuesday morning.
Billy Claasen, Executive Director of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, expressed the deep sorrow felt by the local community. “This incident has shaken the entire community,” Claasen said. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims, as well as the entire farmworker community who are struggling to come to terms with this loss.”
Initial investigations suggest that the bins of plums were not properly secured on the truck, causing them to fall off as the vehicle rounded a bend at high speed. Witnesses reported seeing the family walking along the road when the load fell, striking them without warning.
Western Cape police have confirmed the details of the incident. Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie reported that a culpable homicide docket had been opened for investigation. The police confirmed that the truck driver, aged 31, was arrested shortly after the incident. Authorities inspected the vehicle and determined that the driver had failed to secure the load properly, leading to his arrest on multiple counts of culpable homicide.
The arrest has sparked outrage in the community, as many are questioning how such a tragedy could have occurred. “There were no precautions taken to secure the cargo, and it led to the deaths of four people. This should never have happened,” Claasen added. The truck driver is set to appear in court once formal charges are brought against him.
As the community grapples with the emotional aftermath, the authorities have pledged to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure that justice is served. The heartbreaking loss of a mother, daughter, and two young children has left a permanent mark on the families and residents of Tulbagh, with many now calling for stricter regulations on securing loads in rural areas.
