A family from Wattville in Ekurhuleni is reeling from unimaginable loss after a devastating road accident claimed the lives of five relatives just days after Christmas. What was meant to be a joyful festive reunion has turned into heartbreak, leaving survivors struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Family games
The fatal crash occurred on **Saturday, 27 December**, along the **N1 highway near Wolmaransstad**, as the family was travelling back to Gauteng after spending Christmas in Polokwane, Limpopo. Relatives said the family had gathered on 25 and 26 December to celebrate together, sharing food, laughter and precious memories before embarking on the return journey.
Tragically, the vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a guardrail, killing **five family members on impact**. Those who lost their lives were identified as **74-year-old Betty Shawe**, her daughter **Makie Shawe (36)**, and three children — **Lesedi Lushaba (16)**, **Samkelo Nyandeni (12)** and **Lesego Lushaba (9)**. The loss of multiple generations in a single incident has left the family and community deeply shaken.
An **11-year-old girl**, who was also travelling with the family, survived the crash but sustained injuries to her hands and legs. She was taken to hospital for treatment and is currently recovering under medical supervision. Family members said she remains traumatised by the incident and will require both physical and emotional support.
Relatives described the moments following the crash as unbearable. A family spokesperson said the deceased had been excited about returning home safely and continuing with their normal routines after the festive break. Instead, news of the accident shattered the family, plunging their home into mourning.
One of the deceased, Betty Shawe, was remembered as a caring and loving matriarch who held the family together. Her sister said Betty had recently been making plans for the new year, including organising future family gatherings. Those plans have now been replaced with funeral arrangements and grief counselling for surviving relatives.
Family games
The tragedy has had a ripple effect throughout the Wattville community, where neighbours and friends have come together to support the grieving family. Community members described the deceased as kind-hearted, respectful and deeply devoted to their family. Many have offered condolences, food parcels and emotional support during this difficult period.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the crash, and investigations are ongoing. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by motorists during the festive season, a time when South African roads experience heavy traffic and increased accident rates.
As the family prepares to lay their loved ones to rest, they continue to appeal for privacy and prayers as they navigate their grief. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly joy can turn into sorrow, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak that will be felt for years to come.
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