Murdered doctor’s husband dies
Dries (78), husband of slain Pretoria doctor Erna Britz-Van Zyl, passed away on Saturday due to complications relating to the attack on 29 January.
The family of slain Dr Erna Britz-Van Zyl (73) was struck by tragedy yet again when her husband Dries (78) died on Saturday.
The couple were attacked during a house robbery in Erasmusrand on 29 January this year.
Erna was killed during the attack and Dries severely injured.
Three men were arrested for the attack.
The couple’s son Gusti spoke with Rekord this week. He was distraught at the loss of his remaining parent.
Read more: ‘Kind’ Pretoria doctor fondly remembered at last service
“He was in and out of hospital after the attack,” Gusti said.
“For a while, we thought he was recovering and then we discovered he had bleeding on his brain.
“He was in and out of hospital and ICU. They had to make a hole in his skull to drain the bleeding and somewhere along the line he picked up an infection which ultimately led to his death.”
Gusti said his parents would have been married for 50 years next year.
He said a memorial will take place for his dad next week, but was yet to confirm the details.
“I’m just glad that justice is taking its course,” Gusti said, referring to the men who were arrested for the attack on his parents.
“The case has been postponed many times though, and it sounds like one of the suspects will be applying for bail soon.”
Gusti thanked friends and members of their community for their support for the family.
The Britz-Van Zyl couple leaves behind four children and four grandchildren.
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