The 11-year-old Waldo Verwey dies after being shot in the head last week, leaving the Springs community in shock. He was airlifted to the intensive care unit of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Family Confirms His Passing
“It is with great sadness that the family confirms that Waldo has passed away,” the family said in a statement. “We want to thank everyone who supported Waldo during his fight for life — the medical team, emergency workers, the community, and everyone who prayed for him.”
Waldo’s foster mother, Christenette Barnard, shared that she, Waldo, and his 10-year-old brother Logan were outside with their dogs on Thursday evening when the shooting occurred.
“Waldo stayed behind with the smaller dog while Logan and I went back inside the house,” she explained.
The Moment Everything Changed
Christenette said she was closing the curtains when she suddenly heard a loud noise, initially thinking it was fireworks.
“Logan went outside to check, but then came running back saying, ‘Waldo is dead,’” she recalled.
In shock, Christenette immediately contacted the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) after finding Waldo injured. Emergency services were called, and Waldo was airlifted to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he was placed in intensive care under sedation.
Community Mourns and Seeks Answers
Chris van Beljon, founder of the non-profit organization Bring Hope, confirmed that Waldo Verwey dies and shared that Logan visited his brother in hospital for the first time on Wednesday. Logan has since begun trauma counseling.
Van Beljon also noted that Christenette’s account of events has raised questions, with multiple versions circulating on social media. The Springs CPF said they are not permitted to comment on the matter, and calls to the police spokesperson went unanswered.
A Difficult Year for the Family
The two brothers were placed in foster care with Christenette after their previous foster mother — her sister — passed away in January. Their biological father also died in March this year.
