Yalinka Senekal. (Photo: Facebook)
The last memory that Michael Davis has of his 13-year-old niece, Yalinka Senekal, is her “broadest and most beautiful smile” – an image that will stay with him forever after her sudden death.
This gr. 5th grader from Laerskool Frans Conradie’s life was cut short on Wednesday when she was hit by a taxi on the Cuyler Street bridge in the direction of Kruisrivier in Kariega in the Eastern Cape at around 18:30.
“The driver of a white Toyota Quantum taxi was traveling in the direction of KwaNobuhle when he noticed pedestrians on the side of the bridge. The driver apparently heard another vehicle honking and moments later crashed into the young pedestrian.”
According to the police, Yalinka suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. She died in her father’s arms.
The police say in an official statement that a case of culpable homicide is currently being investigated.
“The driver, who has already been identified, has not been arrested and is giving his full cooperation to the police.”
‘She was the most beautiful child’
In an interview with Maroela Media, Davis talked about the great void that Yalinka’s death leaves in the family. He remembers her as a particularly loving child who was always full of life.
“She was the most beautiful child. I always ran into her and she ran and hugged me. What I’ll never forget was when I was driving with a colleague to test drive a vehicle last week. We drove past her and couldn’t stop to pick her up because there was traffic behind us. But when we turned back, she was almost at the residence where they live. We then slowed down and I rolled down my window. That last and most beautiful smile she had did, and how she shouted ‘Hello, Uncle Michael!’, I will never forget. Little did I know that was the last time I would see that beautiful child.”
Davis says that Yalinka harbored big dreams for her future.
“Yalinka’s dream had been to become famous one day; she desperately wanted to achieve great things in life.”
Tragedy in the midst of hardship
The accident occurred amid already grueling circumstances for the family. According to Davis, the family – Yalinka’s father, mother, her little sister, as well as her aunt and uncle – were on their way to town on foot that evening after they were allegedly evicted from the place where they used to live.
Yalinka Senekal. (Photo: Provided)
“From what I understand, they were evicted where they lived. I don’t want to say with whom, but as I sit here, I know if that hadn’t happened, that child would still be alive and she would be with her parents today.
“So they were on their way to town to try to find a place to sleep. But just before the accident we had communication about the situation that they had to leave, and just after that we got the bad news.”
The moment of the collision played out in the blink of an eye before the eyes of her loved ones. Yalinka’s father desperately tried to grab her in the last seconds to save his daughter.
“When her father tried to grab her, it was just too late. He couldn’t grab her in time, and now he’s completely devastated by what happened.”
Davis immediately rushed to the scene after receiving the news, where he walked into a scene of absolute mourning and chaos.
“When I got to the scene, I found my sister standing to one side with her pastor. I hugged her to my chest and she just kept saying: ‘Buta, not our Yalinka… Buta, go get her so we can take her home.’
“I couldn’t go and look at her body, because I wasn’t allowed. When they came to pick up her body, we were asked to move off the bridge and sit under the tree at the gas station; they would get there.”
For Davis, the emotional impact of that night will always stay with him.
“It is a night I will never forget, because my sister pleads against my chest and begs me: ‘Brother, go get her so we can take her home.’ What do you say to your sister at that point?”
The sudden loss of the gr. 5 learner sent shockwaves through Frans Conradie Primary School as well as the wider education community in Kariega. Tributes from various schools are pouring in for Yalinka.
“In times like this we don’t always understand why things happen, but we hold fast to God’s promise that He is close to those who are brokenhearted. We pray that the Lord will give comfort, peace and strength to the family, friends and our entire school community,” reads a message from Frans Conradie Primary School.
“Her whole life was still ahead of her… there are no words that can take away the pain. But please know, you are not alone in this dark time.
“Yalinka’s smile, her presence in class, and the life she lived will always be part of our school. We remember her with love and great respect.
“May God Almighty carry you with His peace that passes all understanding. May He comfort you, embrace you, and give you strength each day to carry on.”
“Rest in peace, dear Yalinka.”
Susannah Fourie Primary School also expressed its condolences to the family and Frans Conradie Primary School.
“May God’s unfailing love surround you and His peace give you strength in the days ahead. We pray that you will find comfort in the support of those who care for you and in the precious memories that will live on in your hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.”