SA teacher held in China after fatal scooter crash — family races to raise R2.2m or face jail time

by Staff Bona

The family of South African teacher Francois Van Zyl de Kock has launched a public fundraising campaign to raise 880 000 RMB (about R2.2 million) in compensation sought by the family of a Chinese woman who died following a traffic incident in Wuhan in August 2025.

According to a statement issued by his family, Francois , originally from Vanderbijlpark, has been detained in Wuhan for three months after being arrested in connection with the incident.

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The family said he had recently moved to the city to expand his teaching opportunities and pursue rugby coaching.

“On a rainy evening, while riding his scooter back to his apartment, he was unaware that any serious accident had occurred. According to later police reports, it is alleged that his scooter made contact with an elderly woman who suddenly ran into the road from in front of a bus. Sadly, she later passed away,” said the family.

“He is cooperating fully with the legal process and is represented by lawyers. However, the compensation requested by the deceased’s family is approximately 880,000 RMB (around R2.2 million) — far beyond what we can afford as a middle-class family.”

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As reported by The Citizen, the family said he believed he had not made contact due to poor visibility and only learned of the incident when he was arrested two days later.

Prosecutors have reportedly proposed a prison sentence of between three and four years.

Describing themselves as middle-class and unable to afford the amount, Francois’s relatives have launched a legally structured promotional competition to raise funds.

Donors who contribute R100 are entered into a draw to win an artwork by late South African artist Frans Claerhout, with a free entry option also available.

“To help raise funds, we are hosting a legally structured promotional competition. For every R100 donated, you will receive one entry into a draw to win an original Frans Claerhout painting from our family collection, valued between R55,000 and R80,000. A free entry option is available as required by law,” the family said.

They said he is cooperating with authorities and is represented by two lawyers in China.

So far, the campaign has raised about R23 395 (around R22 653) from 18 donors.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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