Breaking: SABC producer found dead in her flat
WINDSOR WEST – Statement from family says she suffered from a heart condition.
SABC senior producer Suna Venter was found dead in her flat in Kings Avenue, Windsor West, at around 1pm on 29 June.
Venter was part of the ‘SABC 8‘, a group of journalists who was fired and then reinstated after openly disagreeing with SABC policies of news coverage.
Honeydew Police Station spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan said only an investigation will determine the cause of death. The police suspect that the autopsy should be complete by tomorrow.
“We have opened an inquest docket as we cannot rule out any possibilities but at this stage we do not suspect foul play.”
He confirmed that she was found in Windsor West at 1pm, not in Fairland in the morning, as the family’s media statement initially said.
According to the statement, posted on the National Press Club Facebook page, Venter was diagnosed with a cardiac condition called stress cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome.
The condition, according to the statement, ‘is believed to be caused by trauma and prolonged periods of unnatural stress’.
Muthan said prescription tablets were found in her flat.
I didn't know her, but to read of the intimidation, harassment and bullying of Suna Venter, is horrifying. Strength to her family
— Giulietta Talevi (@GTalevi) June 29, 2017
According to the family’s statement, after her reinstatement, Venter ‘was the victim of continued intimidation, victimisation and death threats’.
She was allegedly tied to a tree at Melville Koppies Nature Reserve while grass around her was set alight. She was reportedly also shot in the face with an ‘unknown weapon’ and metal pellets had to be surgically removed.
#SunaVenter my heart and condolances go out to the family of Suna Venter. May what she stood for be a guiding beacon to us all. RIP Suna
— Stent (@stent_hohowsky) June 29, 2017
This is a developing story. More information will be published as it becomes available.
