Several Orania residents have reacted to the tragic murder-suicide of a couple – Danie and Marlette van der Westhuizen – last week.
The tragedy occurred in the presence of the couple’s child, who survived the incident.
ORANIA RESIDENTS SHOCKED, SADDENED BY MURDER-SUICIDE
On Wednesday, 9 April, the official Facebook account for Orania shared the news of the death of two of their residents, Danie and Marlette van der Westhuizen.
While the husband and wife were estranged, residents of the Afrikaner-only town complimented them for being a warm, loving couple.
Francois van Schalkwyk posted on Facebook: “As a resident of Orania – these were two wonderful people. They will leave a big void in the community, and we will miss them.
He added: “We don’t always know what drives people to this. They keep this to themselves until it bubbles out. Tragedies”
Another former resident, Ilse Norman, posted: “This is awful. I lived there. I know her and her little daughter.”
Johan Botes posted: “Danie was my supervisor when I worked in Orania. His former wife Marlette worked in the town council. Both were two wonderful people. RIP”
WHAT HAPPENED?
Last week, Orania resident Danie van der Westhuizen murdered his estranged wife, Marlette van der Westhuizen, before committing suicide. The 47-year-old man ended his life in front of their 12-year-old daughter.
According to sources, Danie visited his estranged wife at her residence in Orania. Following an argument, the man shot her five times before turning his gun on himself.
Police from the neighbouring town of Hopevilleise are currently investigating.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ORANIA TRAGEDY?
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