SA teacher detained in China following fatal accident
A South African teacher, Francois Van Zyl de Kock, is facing a potential prison sentence of three to four years in China following a traffic incident in Wuhan in August 2025. His family has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to meet a compensation demand of 880,000 renminbi (RMB), approximately R2.2 million, from the family of the woman who died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.
South African Man Detained in China
Van Zyl de Kock, originally from Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng, has been detained for the past three months. He had recently moved to Wuhan from Hainan Province, seeking to expand his teaching career and pursue his passion for coaching rugby. According to his family, he contacted them expressing excitement about his new life in Wuhan, including a recently purchased electric scooter.
The accident occurred on a rainy evening around 10 pm. Van Zyl de Kock maintains that an elderly woman unexpectedly entered the road in front of a bus, and due to the poor visibility, he believed he did not make contact. He was arrested two days later at his residence.
Authorities state the woman later died approximately one month after the collision from her injuries.
Prison Sentence and Compensation
The prosecution is proposing a prison sentence of between three and four years. In addition to the potential jail time, the deceased woman’s family is seeking 880,000 RMB in compensation. Van Zyl de Kock is cooperating with Chinese authorities and is being represented by two lawyers.
His family, describing themselves as middle-class, has initiated a fundraising effort, including a legally structured promotional competition. Donors who contribute R100 receive an entry into a draw to win an original artwork by the late Frans Claerhout, valued between R55,000 and R80,000. A free entry option is also available.
Van Zyl de Kock moved to China to improve his financial situation, support his hearing-impaired son, and gain international experience. He has been able to communicate with his family twice since his arrest, but recent communication has been restricted, causing distress.
As of this report, the fundraising campaign has raised $1,407 (approximately R22,653.45) from 18 donors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Francois Van Zyl de Kock accused of?
Francois Van Zyl de Kock is accused in connection with a traffic incident in Wuhan, China, that resulted in the death of a woman approximately one month after the collision.
How much compensation is being sought?
The family of the deceased woman is seeking 880,000 renminbi (RMB), which is approximately R2.2 million.
What is the proposed sentence?
The prosecution has reportedly proposed a sentence of between three and four years’ imprisonment.
What challenges might Van Zyl de Kock face as this case progresses?