Autopsy reveals deadly drugs killed colleagues

The investigation into the death of a well-known Pretoria property developer, Theo Kleynhans (60), and two of his colleagues was at an advanced stage.

This as suspicions that Kleynhans, as well as his colleagues Mario Pretorius (23) and Chariska Kloppers (30), may have died due to a drug overdose was confirmed by private investigations this week.

The trio were found dead at Kleynhans’ house in Menlo Park in April this year.

The drug overdose as cause of death was confirmed by autopsy results that were given to Pretorius’ family on Tuesday, August 10.

https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/373639/mystery-over-three-found-dead-in-a-menlo-park-house/

Private investigator appointed by the family, Mike Bolhuis said the autopsy showed two types of drugs were found as well large quantities of alcohol.

“It is definitely an overdose. Since day one, and as a result of the specialised investigators we had sent to the scene, all three of them found that it was indeed an overdose so we were right,” Bolhuis said.

“The drugs which were involved were (GHB) Gamma-hydroxybutyrate commonly known as the date rape drug.

“In other words if an assailant wants to make someone unconscious with the intent to have sex with them or to commit other crimes they put this into someone’s drink or mix it with other recreational drugs.”

Bolhuis said another very dangerous drug, which was also found in the bodies, was gamma Butyrolactone (GBL).

A drug he described as “deadly” that some use for athletic performance, sleep, and sexual performance and pleasure.

“Just a few drops are enough to kill you,” he said.

“What we expect and believe to have happened after our overall investigation is that the group were enjoying themselves partying. It was just the four of them left, and they were quite drunk, and under the influence of drugs, and they made a concoction – them or Theo. I believe it was Theo who was the host and always entertained people at his home – and this was mixed into the drinks.”

Bolhuis said the woman who survived the ordeal happened to get less of it in her system, as these kinds of overdoses resulted in death within minutes, sometimes even seconds.

He said the woman had gone to the bathroom and when she came back took a second sip and with that she passed out only to wake up a day later.

In the house many other pills as well as quantities of narcotics (which included crystal meth) and alcohol were found.

“There were many pills found in the house and much drinking as well as debauchery took place, it was all filmed by Theo,” Bolhuis said.

“In situations like these when experimentation takes place, things are not properly measured and that is what we believe happened here. The amounts were too much and it resulted in their deaths.”

Bolhuis’ special investigator Callie de Kock told Rekord that the autopsy also found that Pretorius had bleeding to the brain as well blood in his lungs.

He said a medical expert said it was as a result of the concoction of drugs which could have killed them within minutes.

“If you get medical intervention soon there is a chance of survival,” he said.

“The woman who survived has fully recovered, we don’t know what long-term effect it will have on her, but she has recovered.”

De Kock said the docket would be sent to court for a determination on whether someone was responsible for the deaths.

He warned members of the public, especially young people, to be careful when going to night clubs or interacting with people.

He said there were many people who died of drug overdose which was not that widely reported on.

“Do not take something if you do not know what it is. These things are deadly,” he said.

“Do not take drinks from anyone while at a club and do not leave your drink unattended.

“These things are dangerous, if you get it wrong and your body is not used to it you play with your life.”

Police are yet to comment 

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