Tessa, her mom and the reunion that sadly will never be

MARIE Swanepoel (61), who was hopeful that the Brazilian authorities would agree to an early release of her drug mule daughter, Tessa Beetge (35), died last Thursday evening.

Mrs Swanepoel played a key role in securing the conviction of Hibiscus Coast Municipal health director Sheryl Cwele and her co-accused Frank Nabolisa.

Mrs Swanepeol’s sister, Margie Olsen (60), said the family was devastated by her death.

“The only regret I have is that the story didn’t finish and Marie didn’t see her daughter come home,” said Mrs Olsen.

Mrs Swanepoel’s daughters, Zelda (41) and Brenda (37) arrived from Australia last Thursday, but Mrs Olsen said it was too late for them to see their mother. Her funeral will take place today (Thursday) in Steynberg in the Eastern Cape.

Mrs Swanepoel had recently moved from Margate to be with her family in the Eastern Cape. Mrs Olsen said Mrs Swanepoel was rushed to a hospital in Queenstown with a bleeding stomach ulcer and organ failure last week.

She said doctors said her stomach had perforated. The doctors operated on her and she was transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit where she died late on Thursday night.

Mrs Beetge has been in prison in Brazil for almost five years, and it was her mother’s wish to see her return home.

“On behalf of my sister I will continue the fight to bring Tessa home. I will not give up. I have a big heart for Tessa,” said Mrs Olsen. She said that the South African consulate had informed Mrs Beetge of her mother’s death, and she was certain that she would be devastated by the tragic news.

“Marie made it her mission to get Tessa back home. She stood up against Sheryl Cwele and her co-accused Frank Nabolisa. Her mission and courage was unwavering,” she said.

“She dedicated her whole life to her children. She fought for Tessa more than anyone could expect from a mother.” She described her sister as a quiet, extremely sweet and beautiful person.

“She had a deep love for the piano, and her whole life she wanted to play music, but she never had the opportunity,” she said.

Those who would like to contribute towards Mrs Swanepoel’s funeral arrangements can contact George Enslin at 083 6257417 or email george.enslin@wakefields.co.za.