A Scottsdene mother is grieving the loss of her 14-year-old daughter, Lecesia Lodewyck, and three-year-old niece, Washiela Swarts.
The children were knocked down on Botfontein Road on Monday April 16 (“Two die after being hit by a bakkie,” April 18, Northern News).
Wonite Rasant said the girls had been crossing the road to go visit their grandmother in Wallacedene.
Lecesia was holding the toddler on her hip when a Bellville taxi stopped to pick them up. But Lecesia declined the offer of a ride and then stepped forward to cross the street. It was then that a 1400 Nissan bakkie came speeding down the road, hitting the girls and flinging them into the air.
Ms Rasant said Lecesia had looked at her strangely seconds before she died.
“I asked her why she is looking like that and she said she is just looking without any intention.”
She said her daughter had been an obedient child and would never say no if asked to go to the shop.
“I am really gonna miss her,” she said
Little Washiela had been visiting from Malmesbury on the day of her death.
Ms Rasant described her as a talkative toddler and said she had been very excited to see her grandmother in Wallacedene.
ER24’s Russel Meiring said paramedics had declare both girls dead at the scene.
Police are investigating a culpable homicide, according to provincial SAPS spokesman Captain FC Van Wyk.
The driver appeared at the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court and investigations are still ongoing.
Lecesia was in Grade 9 at Scottsdene High School, where a memorial service was held for her on Tuesday April 17.
Principal Peter Links described Lecesia as a sports fanatic who had participated in several school sports, including high jump, middle-distance running and netball
“She was a sporty person. She would come to the netball teacher – even if there was no netball practise – asking for a ball. She would then gather a few friends and they would play and practise outside.”
