We are more often than not shocked when people we know commit violent crimes.
Recently, a friend of mine was disturbed to find out that someone she knew was responsible for the following heartbreaking story.
In 2022, the parents of Nadia Lloyd received a phone call that no parents should ever get.
Their daughter was dead. She had committed suicide, or so they were told by her fiancé, Jaco Steyl.
The initial police investigation concluded that Nadia did commit suicide, but her family would not accept this.
Unfortunately, if the police suspect suicide, not much else is done to investigate.
After a private autopsy was done, the family could prove foul play was involved, and the police had to investigate.
Nadia’s family was aware of the stormy relationship between her and Steyl.
A video soon emerged where Nadia stated that if something were to happen to her, chances are Steyl would be responsible.
In this video, she also talks about previous physical abuse she had endured from Steyl.
Jaco Steyl pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 years in prison for her murder.
If it had not been for this family fighting for justice, Steyl would still have been free.
I watched the video of the memorial service that was held for Nadia and can see the love that was there for her.
There was also great sadness, especially for her small children, who will grow up without their mother.
Domestic violence is a great concern in South Africa and can be deadly, as it was in this case.
According to Steyl, they argued, and Nadia had asked him to leave the house.
He strangled her to death, and then he tried his best to make it look like a suicide.
You can see Steyl crying in the video of the memorial service – remorse or just a show?
Steyl shares a few kind words and embraces her family as if he had done nothing wrong.
Far too often, we read about these cases, but unfortunately, it is almost always too late.
It will not get better; this person is not going to change – you can forgive from a distance. No relationship is worth dying over.
Nadia Lloyd Labuschagne; gone but not forgotten.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
