City still reeling from suicides
Denecke Prinsloo, a 19-year-old girl was apparently found hanging in a backroom toilet of her home in Elise Street, Heuwelsig yesterday afternoon.
Pictures: Soraya Crowie and Facebook KIMBERLEY residents are still reeling in shock after three people committed suicide in the city on Monday.
Denecke Prinsloo was the youngest victim to apparently take her own life on Monday.
Prinsloo, 19, was found at around 5pm on Monday after apparently hanging herself at her parents’ home in Hillcrest.
According to Care 4 You Advanced Life Support Paramedic, Wimpie Fourie, he arrived on the scene and found family members performing CPR on Prinsloo. He took over from the family and continued with CPR but the 19-year-old was declared dead on the scene.
Prinsloo matriculated from Diamantveld High School last year and was enrolled at the Sol Plaatje University.
A post on the SPU Student Affairs Facebook page yesterday stated that the university was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“We, as a university, wish to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends on the tragic loss of one of our first-year students. We are deeply saddened by this news. During this time of bereavement, if you are in need of any counselling and support, please reach out to the Student Affairs Team. Our Health and At de Beer, was found by his wife after he reportedly shot himself in the couple’s bedroom in Aristotle Avenue. Wellness staff are here to assist,” the post read.
Messages of condolence were also shared by friends, who described Prinsloo as exuberant and intelligent and someone who excelled at academics and sports.
“R.I.P Denecke … Will miss your voice and smile always,” Joelene Golding posted on Facebook, while Tersia van der Merwe wrote “Dear Denecke Prinsloo, thank you for all the laughs and fun on the athletics track. You worked so hard to achieve everything you wanted to. You leave behind a huge void.”
In yet another apparent suicide, a 68-year-old city retiree, At de Beer, was found by his wife after he reportedly shot himself in the couple’s bedroom in Aristotle Avenue.
The incident occurred in Belgravia at around 6.30pm.
While it is still unclear what led to the incident, it is believed that De Beer had been diagnosed with cancer recently.
Messages of condolences also continued to pour in for Selmarie van Wyk, who also died on Monday after she shot herself.
Van Wyk was discovered by her husband, Leon van Wyk, at around 11am in Rhodesdene.
“May your beautiful soul rest in peace. ..Your smile and loving ways will always be remembered,” Leemor Williams wrote on Facebook.