Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Tributes have been pouring in following yesterday morning’s (14 August) horrific head-on collision between a Bitou Waste Truck and a motor vehicle on the N2 (Lagoon Road) at White Bridge.
The waste truck reportedly veered off the road and came to rest partially submerged in the lagoon.
While authorities had not yet formally confirmed the identities of the two people who died in the crash, public tributes have identified them as Knysna doctor Dr Johann Viljoen and his partner, Charl Steenekamp.
Oak Leaf Knysna, where the couple were regular patrons, confirmed their deaths in a social media post, describing them as “beloved patrons” and saying they were mourning the loss of Viljoen, Charl and their dog, CaraMia.
“Johann was my doctor for many years,” the post reads, with one of the café’s representatives describing him as a great friend, mentor and “the absolute best doctor one could ever ask for”.
The post recalled how Viljoen had treated and cared for the author and their family over many years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He was a mentor in many ways… he was a great friend and the absolute best doctor one could ever ask for,” the tribute stated. The writer also recalled Viljoen’s love of cooking, saying that while training to become a doctor, he had also studied to be a chef. “We will sorely miss having them with us. May they rest in peace,” the tribute concluded.
The DA in Knysna also issued condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Viljoen and Steenekamp. “Both men gave so much of themselves to this community, dedicating their lives to providing quality, dignified healthcare to the people of Knysna and beyond. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. They will be deeply missed,” the statement said.
Further details surrounding the circumstances of the collision and the official identification of the victims and driver of the truck are awaited from authorities.
In the meantime joint operations between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), SANParks, Knysna Municipality and Bitou Municipality are making good progress with waste extraction while measures are being implemented to contain and absorb any further spread of chemicals into the lagoon.
