GAINACHAS - Sabina Bezuidenhoudt, mother of the late Linda de Wee said, despite her daughter tragically losing her life after being caught in a love triangle, she was known, respected and loved by most of the village’s residents as a kind, soft hearted and obedient daughter.
This was how she described the victim when New Era visited the family home last weekend.
“Being the oldest of my six children, she was always the selfless, caring and exemplary eldest sister to the others,” the heartbroken mother said.
She continued that it would still take time for her to come to terms with her “/Uputes” (chubby child) sudden departure to eternity.
Bezuidenhoudt added that the fact that her beloved daughter was involved in a love affair with her best friend’s husband came to her as a big shock.
“Linda and Isabella (murder accused) were very close friends and she never informed me or talk about the love triangle,” the mother said. She also reasoned that should her daughter have opened up, it might have been resolved through dialogue, instead of violence leading to her death.
She, furthermore, informed this publication that the accused’s family visited them, pleading for forgiveness for their daughter’s violent retaliation.
“I have now finally forgiven them and just requested that they should assist with the funeral expenses by buying a coffin for our daughter,” she added.
She said Linda, who would have turned 32 this coming Friday, will be laid to rest this weekend in Gainachas.
Another resident living close to the bereaved family, Sara Swartbooi, said she would remember Linda as an obedient, loving and helpful daughter growing up before her.
“She was also a dedicated Lutheran and it is really hard for me to believe that this tragic incident happened in our community,” she added.
When probed to comment, Victor Isaacks, uncle of the accused said they never expected such a tragedy to take place in their village.
“Linda and Isabella were the closest of friends and were always together,” he added.
Isaacks also said, after finding out about the love triangle, Isabella called Linda to their house with the intention to talk out and solve the issue.
“We were also not aware that my cousin’s intention was rather to retaliate and kill the victim,” he said.
He said he also finds it strange that Linda did not fight back or scream when Isabella threw petrol on her and when she started to burn.
“We, as a family, in the meantime met with the victim’s relatives, asking forgiveness and will also contribute towards the funeral expenses in buying the coffin for the deceased,” he said.
Isaacks called on the victim’s brothers not to hate them, as the family of the accused in future.
- sklukowski@nepc.com.na