JOHANNESBURG – Christenette Barnard, the foster mother of 11-year-old Waldo Verwey, who died after sustaining injuries in a house robbery in Casseldale, Springs, shared an emotional tribute on social media, remembering Waldo’s playful spirit, sense of humour, and kind heart.
The incident took place at his family home on 2 October 2025. Waldo sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was treated on the scene before being airlifted to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he remained on life support in critical condition.
“Your name has travelled where your feet never could. May all your chocolate dreams come true. May you be the chef you always wanted to be – in heaven,” Barnard wrote.
“You kept us on our toes; I’ll miss how you got angry when we drove around the circle and something smelled bad. I’ll miss our fights about your hair that you didn’t want to cut, your jokes about calling yourself Waido, and your love for the puppies.”
I’ll miss when you climbed the tree and put a washcloth in a nest because the little birds were cold, and the noise when you climbed so high to make a swing.
Most of all, you’ll be missed when you come and ask, ‘Is you doing ok?’ We’ll be okay.”
The family confirmed Waldo’s passing in a statement on Thursday, Citizen reports.
“It is with profound sadness that the family confirms that 11-year-old Waldo has gained his angel wings,” the statement reads.
“The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported Waldo during his fight for life – to the medical teams, emergency responders, community members, and all who offered prayers, care, and compassion.”
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and says funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
No arrests have been made and the police investigation continues.
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