A GRIEVING Kraaifontein grandmother is mourning the death of her eight-year-old grandson, who was killed in a hit-and-run on Friday.
Kayden du Plooy, a Grade 2 learner from Petunia Primary School, was walking with his 12-year-old brother to get food when he was hit by a delivery driver on a motorbike on the corner of Petunia Road and Frans Conradie Drive in Scottsville.
In a double blow to the woman, the tragedy comes just a week after they buried Kayden’s grandfather who was also hit by an unknown motorbike driver in Scottsdene and weeks later succumbed to his injuries.
The grandmother has been looking after Kayden and his boeta after their mother died three years ago. Their father lives in Wesbank.
The ouma explained: “There are people who always give them food across the road. But they never cross the main road that side, they always walk through an oupa’s yard where they will be taken over the road.”
“Kayden and his brother were walking together and holding hands about to cross the road when he was hit by the motorbike.
“My kleinkind came from work in Stikland when they saw the scene and they came to inform me. It was not nice seeing Kayden like that.”
Uncle Renaldo du Plooy could not hold back his tears as he explained what happened.
He added: “I was on my way to the shop when the accident just happened. I tried my best to run as fast as I could to get to them, I was calling both their names.
“I held Kayden and spoke to him saying, ‘Kayden bly, uncle is hier’.He had an open wound on top of his head.
“I told the delivery driver to stop and wait because he was already a distance from where the accident happened in a different direction.
“I think he wanted to run away but as the scene got busy, he disappeared. We don’t know what happened to the driver.”
The family recalls Kayden and his brother being close-knit and enjoyed playing soccer.
The ouma said: “I want Renaldo and Kayden’s brother to get counselling because they are traumatised by what happened.
“This is a difficult time for the family. We are not feeling good but we have to be strong.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed: “Kraaifontein police registered a culpable homicide case following an accident on 28 November at 5.45pm.
“According to reports, the boy is eight years old and was knocked by a delivery driver on a motorcycle.
“It is further alleged that the driver fled the scene because he was assaulted by the community. Investigation continues, no arrest as yet.”
Anyone with information about this incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.