Annatjie Myburgh’s tragic end

WHITE RIVER – The entire country’s hope of Ms Annatjie Myburgh’s (58) safe return after she had presumably been hijacked and kidnapped last week, was shattered with the discovery of her body early on Sunday morning.

However, this tragedy proved that the Lowveld is home to a community whose members unite during a crisis and who would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that one of their own is safe and sound.

A second suspect appeared in the local Magistrate’s Court today in connection with her kidnapping. Her family members did not attend the appearance of the first suspect yesterday, as they were identifying Annatjie’s body at the time.

• Read the story on the court appearance here: Annatjie Myburgh suspect in White River Court

A post-mortem was also performed yesterday and Annatjie’s son, Mr Wendell Myburgh Jr, said they were praying that God would take the hands of everyone involved in this process and lead them.

Since Annatjie’s body didn’t have any visible wounds, it is suspected that she had died of a heart attack. It is believed that she died on Wednesday – the day she had disappeared.

The result of the post-mortem is expected to be made available within the next five days.

In the meantime the family is cherishing the fond memories they have of her. They called a brief conference at their home at Curlews on Sunday at 14:00, mere hours after her body was found.

Annatjie is looking after orchids in heaven now, her children, Wendell Jr and Ms Mellissa Rossouw, feel. She loved flowers and is keeping an eye on them from there, and that is where they will join her, one day.

Annatjie was well known among the people of White River for her love of gardening. Some of them laid flowers at her place of work, Döman Weitsz Attorneys, out of respect and compassion.

The siblings held hands as they addressed the media.

Annatjie’s husband of 37 years, Wendell Myburgh Sr was too distraught to talk, but he joined his children to pose for photographs with Annatjie’s beloved orchids which she grew in a beautiful nursery at their home.

They continuously expressed their profound gratitude when they spoke about the horrible ordeal they had to endure for more than 72 hours.

“We thank our Heavenly Father  who answered our prayers with this breakthrough so that we can try to find closure in this incredibly difficult time. We would have rather found my mother alive, but we realise that not everyone who goes missing is found. Our prayers are with those families who are still searching,” Wendell Jr said.

Their nightmare began when Wendell Sr was informed that Annatjie had not arrived for work, shortly after 08:00 on Wednesday. J&M Security officials went to their home and feared the worst when they found knives at the gate and her glasses nearby.

A massive search was launched almost immediately.

• Read the story here: Soekspan slaap min, maar gooi nie tou op

The police and security officials’perseverance finally paid off on Saturday when informants led them to a woman who the two suspects had allegedly visited with Myburgh’s hijacked Pajero.

The woman gave them information about the first suspect, Mr Selby Johan Mabila (26), who was arrested in the Mahushu informal settlement where he had apparently been drinking.

It is alleged that he led police to Annatjie’s body which was found close to a gravel road on the way to the Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate at about 01:00 on Sunday.

The second suspect, a 32-year-old Mozambican national, was arrested at his hideout in Cunningmore near Bushbuckridge on Sunday afternoon.

He may not be identified until he has appeared in court.

“The community’s involvement would have made her proud. No, is making her proud. It was her passion. If this had happened to someone else, she would have been the first to take other’s hands.

“In her absence she brought together so many people. She is proud of what has happened,” her children said.

Marlize said she would forever long to sit in her mom’s lap, as she did even as a grown-up. And she would miss their differences of opinion, often about her mom’s fashion choices, she smiled. She would miss the hugs only a mom can give and her favourite saying, “Ag, whatever”.

Wendell said he and his wife, his rock, Charmaine were thankful that Annatjie could meet her first grandchild, seven-week-old Aiden.

The family attended the church service in the Dutch Reformed Church in White River on Sunday, hours after being informed of her death.

“She was a true torch-bearer of that for which the congregation stands, to be an oasis of Jesus’ love,” their son said.

“My dad is broken, he is hurting, but he is not angry.”

Her family is trying to focus on something beyond crime.

“The way everyone took hands gives us hope for our country. The way the entire community took hands, despite their different races and religions, is very special to us.

“Everybody hates crime, but our first instruction is to forgive. Whatever went on in their heads, we would rather forgive them.”

They went on by saying, “The detectives, security officials, the broader public, private plane and helicopter owners. For everyone who helped, for every minute they sacrificed, and for everyone who lost sleep along with the family, thank you.

“You are all heroes and we will be forever grateful. There will never be enough time to say thank you.”

Wendell asked that the family still be remembered in people’s prayers, “so that we may have the strength to find true peace in God. We are holding on to our faith. We know one day we will join her”.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 at the NG Kerk in White River. Everyone is welcome.

• Also see: Honderde verenig in gebed vir Annatjie Myburgh