“The estimated thousand people who came to this church today, is a testimony to the hundreds of people whose lives were touched by Hanle Lategan,” said rev. Jan Smit who presided over her memorial service at the Roodekrans Dutch Reformed Church.
Ruimsig Re/Max real estate agent Hanle Lategan’s body was found next to a stream in Randfontein last week after she went missing the previous day.
People who came to say goodbye to Lategan at the memorial service on 7 June were all given turquoise ribbons to honour her memory, as well as a pack of tissues that came in very handy during the emotional service they were about to face.
“We have so many reproaches and questions that we want to ask the murderers. We can rest assured that we can ask God for peace and know that His will, will be done. He is in control,” said Smit. “We cannot succumb to bitterness and vengeance. It will strip us of our peace, our sanity and our faith.”
With this powerful message Smit provided comfort to the hundreds of friends and family members. Smit started crying when he spoke about a confession that Hanle had made in front of the whole church. “I will remember her bravery that day, but I will also remember her delicious peppermint crisp tart,” said Smit.
“How do we live in traumatic times like this? Do we turn to God or do we fall into the same level as the murderers?” Smit said in conclusion that we should be brave and remember Hanle’s life, not her death.
A special tribute, with letters from loved ones, clients, friends and colleagues, was showcased. Words like “We will remember your laugh and hugs,” was a true testimony to who Hanle was. Some of her family members gave video messages and often fought to keep back the tears.
Hanle’s son, Francois Lategan, was overcome with emotion when he said her family was her biggest achievement. “I can see a bit of mom in each member of our family,” he said.
“Thank you for the wonderful grandmother that you were, mom,” said her daughter, Joané van Heerden. Lategan thanked all who helped with the arrangements of the funeral. “Thank you to everyone who helped in the search for my mother when she went missing,” said Lategan. He also thanked Smit for his support.
Doves were released after the ceremony in honour of Hanle’s beautiful life after the ceremony.
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