Friends tell of devastation after couple held for woman’s murder
She had cancer and lived with her stepsister in Pretoria for a while before she mysteriously disappeared at the end of May.
Friends have expressed their shock at the arrest of a couple in connection with the death of a woman whose charred body was found in the Moot last month.
Danieta and Gert van Rhyn were arrested in Queenswood on 4 July in connection with the murder of Danieta’s ill stepsister, Debbie Venter.
Venter’s charred body with her arms tied and a bag over her head – was found in an open drain after a veld fire broke out in Linopark in June.
She had cancer and lived with her stepsister in Pretoria for a while before she mysteriously disappeared at the end of May.
Friends of the couple, who did not want to reveal their identities, said they were shocked by the news of the couple’s arrest.
“I cannot believe it, they are not that type of people,” a friend said.
Another friend said Gert had worked for Transnet for many years, after which the couple ran a business.
“They both had good jobs and lived in a decent house. But the last time I saw them again, they were living on the street. First, they stayed in a room in someone’s yard and later on the street.”
The friend said he often spent time with the couple and they even went fishing together.
“Gerrie was not the type of guy I thought would do something like that. He was gentle and cared a lot for people, even though they used drugs, they were still good people.”
The Pink Ladies organisation for missing persons announced on 29 May that Venter’s body had been found.
“It is with regret that we announce Debbie Venter’s death. Condolences to her family and friends. No further information at the moment,” read the announcement of Venter’s death on the organisation’s page.
“Two arrests have been made and two criminal cases have been opened. Thanks to the Bronkhorstspruit police for excellent work.”
Rekord’s sister publication, Streeknuus, attended the court proceedings on Tuesday morning, where Danieta abandoned her bail application. Her case has been postponed until next month for further investigation, while Gert’s formal bail application would be heard on Friday.
Venter did not have any children and is survived by her father and stepmother.
“Rest in peace friend. You were my pillar in my most difficult time. You were my help in need. You were a friend in a thousand. May Jesus keep you safe. Your fight is over. Now there may only be peace. Rest in peace friend. Wow, I can’t believe it,” read Maryke van Eeden’s tribute to Venter on Facebook with a photo of the victim.
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