Family prepare to bury slain teen
THE family of slain 16-yearold Berodine Boyce left St Helena Bay last night for their homeland of Namaqualand to lay the teenager to rest.
Boyce’s sister Sheldine, 20, said family members were holding up as best they could, but that the pain of losing the teenager still cut like a knife.
The teenager was last seen two Fridays ago on her way to a friend’s house, but she never arrived.
On July 12, after a community meeting, a search was conducted and a shallow grave was found behind the Laingville sports ground.
“Myself, my mom and dad are leaving (last night), and (today) friends and family will be taking the bus,” Sheldine said.
A memorial service was held for Berodine on Wednesday, which was attended by about 250 people.
Community leader Thyrone Williams said Berodine’s murder had inspired residents to join neighbourhood watches.
“Things are still tense, but people have calmed down because there is more of a police presence, as well as metro law enforcement.
“The tragedy has inspired people to become interested in helping to keep the area safe, and rid it of drugs and drughouses,” Williams said.
Berodine was a pupil at Louwville High School, and at the memorial service a classmate said she was the “light of their lives”, and will be missed dearly.
“To see a smile on Berodine’s face made our day. She always made us laugh, and knew how to put smiles on our faces; she did it so easily.
“We will miss her a lot, especially in history class,” a classmate said.
A day after Berodine’s body was found, 37-year-old Denver Don was stabbed to death in the neck.
Residents suspected the same person who killed Berodine was behind Don’s death.
A suspect was arrested the next day.