Following an inquest into the mysterious death of a municipal official, Hansie Claasen, last week, another four families in Ikageng have also lost loved ones under tragic circumstances.
Four inquest dockets were opened at the Ikageng SAPS during the past week.
According to Const. Kelebogile Trom, Ikageng SAPS spokesperson, the police received a call from a male complainant at 03:50 on Sunday 5 February. They arrived to find a 38-year-old man hanging from a rope in a bedroom in Ikageng. The victim’s girlfriend was also present. ‘After the members of the Emergency Rescue Medical Services (EMRS) certified him dead, he was taken to Potchefstroom mortuary,’ says Trom.
Seven hours later, at about 10:30, another call came in about a 77-year-old man who was hanging from a rope in a backyard shack in Ext. 11. On arrival, the caller led the police to the scene. The officers contacted the EMRS personnel who certified him dead and transported him to the mortuary.
Last Saturday, the body of a 16-year-old girl was found suspended from an aluminium water pipe by the belt of a pink gown. ‘At 22:00, the police received a call about a female who had hanged herself in Ikageng. The guardian of the victim met them and took them to the back room. All relevant personnel attended to the scene and the body was taken to the local mortuary.
The three deaths were preceded by that of a 40-year-old man last Tuesday. According to his family members, he had drunk brake fluid and thinners. The police were called to attend an inquest at Potchefstroom Hospital, where the victim died. Upon their arrival, they met the doctor and the family of the deceased who confirmed that the man had ingested the toxic liquids.