WATCH: Family demands justice for Khy’ree Jordaan, a toddler killed by an off-duty officer
Khy'ree Jordaan
Image: Supplied
The family of three-year-old Khy’ree Jordaan is struggling to come to terms with the little boy’s death after an off-duty law enforcement officer allegedly drove over him in Clarke's Estate, Elsies River, before fleeing the scene.
The horror incident happened on 9 November 2025 in Alard Road, where Khy’ree was sitting at his usual spot on the pavement with his friends, his mother close by enjoying a piece of cake from his auntie’s confirmation.
What happened next would shatter the life of the bubbly, friendly, Spider-Man-loving toddler and leave his family devastated.
According to Khy’ree’s grandmother, Jolene Jordaan, she and her husband were standing in the kitchen when they heard screaming from outside.
“All we could hear was people shouting Khy’ree!,” she said. “When I ran out I saw his daddy running after a car, and I followed. People were screaming for the driver to stop. He kept driving and eventually managed to get away, reversing and then speeding down Old Stellenbosch Road.”
Jordaan said she still didn’t know what had happened. “When I turned around, that’s when I realised something was wrong.”
Family members rushed her into a car and told her to get to the hospital where her daughter, Ronicia, had gone with Khy’ree.
“They told me the car we were chasing… the driver drove over Khy’ree,” she said. “When we got to the hospital, I begged the security to let me into the trauma unit. I wanted to be there, to let him know everything was okay.”
Her daughter “wasn’t saying much” and appeared deeply traumatised.
“I just wanted to see Khy’ree, to see if he was okay,” she said.
Khy'ree was sitting on the pavement when the officer allegedly drove over him
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
After being told he would be transferred to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, she drove home to pack a bag, believing he would survive.
“I really thought he would be okay,” she said. “But when I came back they told me his heart stopped beating.”
The trauma unit doors had opened, and Jordaan saw medical staff trying to resuscitate him.
“That sight breaks you into pieces,” she said.
Despite their efforts, Khy’ree did not make it.
“It’s like my world gave in,” she said. “How could this happen to my Khy’ree? We always made sure he was safe. I even questioned God… how could this happen to him?”
Seeing his injuries was unbearable.
“That wasn’t my Khy’ree. His head was swollen, his eyes were swollen and blue, his mouth… he wasn’t the happy, smiling boy.”
Jordaan said everything went silent as the reality hit her. “To think he drove on, to think he didn’t even come back to say sorry or check if Khy’ree was okay. Doesn’t he have a heart?”
The family is also demanding answers about the investigation. They want to know whether toxicology tests were taken on the day of the incident, and why he was not arrested and charged immediately.
They also called for “a thorough investigation,” saying too much remains unclear.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said:
“Elsies River police registered a culpable homicide case following an incident where a three-year-old boy was bumped by a car on Sunday, 2025-11-09 at 18:48 at Alard Road, Clarke Estate. The boy died in hospital due to injuries sustained. The circumstances surrounding this accident are under investigation. Investigations continue.
“Allegations made by your sources are regarded as serious although unfounded at this stage, as there is no record that anyone reported the matter. We appeal to the family and eyewitnesses to come forward so that the necessary investigations can be instituted.
Jolene Jordaan said her family is shattered by Khy'ree's passing
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
“This case docket (culpable homicide) will be presented to the Goodwood Senior Public Prosecutor for decision.
“Anyone with information about this accident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
City Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said:
“The City is aware of the allegations.
“The matter is under investigation by SAPS, and it would be inappropriate to comment amid an ongoing investigation.
“We can confirm that the official voluntarily presented himself to SAPS and is cooperating fully with the investigative process.
“He has not been charged in the matter.
“The City’s SSIU continues to work with SAPS and we await their finalisation of the investigation, which will determine the way forward.”
Jordaan said Khy’ree had changed their lives from the day they learned of his arrival.
“Ronicia was just 19 when she fell pregnant. It wasn’t part of the plan. But Khy’ree showed us otherwise. He became our heart,” she said. “Now he is gone.”
Ronicia was too emotional to speak and asked only for justice.
A memorial service will be held for Khy’ree on Wednesday at the Volkskerk van Afrika. He will be buried on Saturday.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za