Beloved Germiston woman remembered as a mother for all
Her absence will be felt thought out the community and all the sporting fraternities she was involved with.
Thea Prinsloo, gunned down in Elspark on June 25, was described as a loving and passionate woman.
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As family and friends are still coming to terms with her death, members of the Dinwiddie community gathered for a night vigil in remembrance of Prinsloo outside the Dinwiddie Sports Club on June 29, where she had been in charge of the club for 15 years.
Her brother Flip du Toit also attended the vigil, where representatives from various sporting fraternities placed wreaths at the entrance to the club.
Prinsloo was a mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many.
She was a member of Ekurhuleni South Darts Association (ESDA), coached Elspark Primary School netball teams, practised karate and was also a member of the angling community.
She was born on July 3, 1964, and laid to rest on what would have been her 59th birthday.
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Prinsloo was a mother to three daughters, Natachia Prinsloo, Tania Fourie and Maritzia van Vreden and lived in Elspark for 35 years.
Natachia said her mother was her biggest supporter. “My mom was the best comforter, teacher and doctor.
“Our mother sacrificed so much for us. She loved her grandsons and taught them a lot of lessons.
“They will remember her for the loving and caring grandmother she was,” said Natachia.
Tania said her mom had a heart of gold and they will miss her kindness.
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“Moeks was more than just a mother to me.
She was my confidant, encourager, and my role model. She taught me how to care for others and to never give up.
“She had an impact on everyone who she crossed paths with. Her love and kindness will live forever through those who knew her.”
Maritzia said she cannot believe her mother is gone.
“Moeks was always just a phone call or a message away and would immediately devise a plan regardless of what was needed or how far I was. She always gave us the best of herself. She missed none of our games.
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“She always supported us in everything we did. She raised us to be the women we are today – strong, loving and able to stand up for what we believe in. Her spirit of care, desire and love lives on.”
It is not only the family feeling the void that Prinsloo has left but also the community.
Joan Röhrbeck, who had known Prinsloo for over five years and had been working with her at the Dinwiddie Sports Club for the past two years, said they were still in shock.
“She was an amazing woman and a mother to many. We have truly lost a beacon of hope,” said Röhrbeck.
She said Prinsloo was always willing to assist the community with charity work and sports events.
“She opened the club’s doors to many sporting codes, as she was passionate about sports.
“We had many sporting codes at the club, including netball, darts, ballroom dancing, squash and kung fu. She would share the little she had just as long as she could help someone,” said Röhrbeck.
Ekurhuleni South Darts Association said they have not only lost a member, but a mother.
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“Thea loved each of us, and we loved and adored her. She spoilt us on our special days and was always boosting our spirits and leaving us feeling so special,” said Delian Bennett, secretary and business unit manager of ESDA.
“She was a small, beautiful and fierce woman with the biggest personality and an even bigger heart. We thank Thea for all she did for our sport and ESDA,” said Bennett.
Speaking about the impact of Prinsloo’s murder on the community, Ward 39 Clr Jean Ingram said the community would miss Prinsloo.
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“I had known Thea for 15 years. I used to be part of the Elspark CPF team where she was involved. She supported the community forum and attended our meetings,” said Ingram.
“Many people hold special memories of her,” said Ingram.
Provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the police are still investigating the circumstances that led to Prinsloo’s death.
“On arrival at the scene of the shooting, police officers found her lying next to a car inside the yard at the Elspark property,” said Masondo.
By June 30, Masondo said the motive for the killing was not yet confirmed.
