Tessa’s mother ‘critical’
Family and friends are desperately trying to get Tessa Beetge released early.
MARIE Swanepoel (60), the mother of drug mule Tessa Beetge (36), was rushed to a hospital in Queenstown with a bleeding stomach ulcer and organ failure earlier this week.
She is currently in a coma and family and friends are hoping and praying she will pull through.
Ms Beetge has been in prison in Brazil for almost five years. It has been her mother’s wish to see her return home.
There is a move afoot to get her released early. She still has at least three years of the eight year sentence to serve. She was found to be in possession of cocaine in 2008.
Mrs Swanepoel recently moved from Margate to the Eastern Cape. She was relentless in her campaign to see former Hibiscus Coast Municipal director of health Sheryl Cwele and accomplice Frank Nabolisa sentenced.
Her other two daughters will be flying out from Australia and are expected to see their mother tomorrow (Friday).
Her estranged husband, Swannie Swanepoel from Margate, said he would be travelling today (Thursday) to visit.
He said the last time contact had been made with their daughter was at Christmas last year.
Mr Swanepoel said a letter from the hospital had been sent to to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, but had had no response yet.
“It’s been a difficult time. I’m praying Marie will be fine, that she will pull through,” he said. “She has been a determined mother who has fought hard for Tessa.”
A number of South Coasters have come together to contribute towards a fund to assist with Mrs Swanepoel’s medical expenses. They are urging others to support her.
Those who would like to contribute towards the fund can contact George Enslin at 083 6257417 or email george.enslin@wakefields.co.za.
