[Image: Wikimedia Commons]
Orania’s leaders have confirmed a grim and deeply disturbing murder-suicide involving a couple from the controversial whites-only enclave.
The horrific act unfolded in front of the couple’s young daughter, who, against the odds, survived the ordeal.
Orania, nestled in the arid stretches of the Northern Cape, is a self-governed Afrikaner settlement established in 1991. With a population of around 3,000, it operates entirely on private land and by its own rules.
Last week, 47-year-old Danie van der Westhuizen gunned down his estranged wife, Marlette van der Westhuizen, before turning the weapon on himself – all in front of their 12-year-old daughter, allegedly days before her birthday, Cape {town} Etc notes.
Police from the neighbouring town of Hopeville have launched an investigation as Orania has no official law enforcement presence.
In a Facebook post, Orania residents reacted to the event that has rocked their isolated community.
The post read: “It’s not always easy to grasp tragic situations like these, but in such difficult times, it’s important to focus on what can be done.”
The post continued, saying that the town’s social services, which wield statutory authority, stepped in during the critical window.
In the wake of the incident, residents banded together to support the young girl – who, in a cruel twist, had a birthday just days after losing both parents.
“The daughter celebrated her birthday shortly after the events and apart from the official support, the community also mobilized to send her flowers, candy, letters and more on her birthday.
According to our social workers, she shows special resilience in the midst of the tragedy and the loss of both her parents.”
The post concluded by adding, “The whole community is deeply affected by the incident and trust that the Lord will comfort us and ultimately bring relief.”
The case is still under investigation.
Despite lacking a police station, Orania has long claimed it doesn’t need one. According to town leadership, residents take law enforcement into their own hands, conducting citizen patrols around the clock.
In 2016, CNN reported: “Crime levels are low, no doubt helped by its selective policies and requirements that permanent citizens are financially reliable on entry.”
But this devastating incident raises fresh questions about what truly lies beneath Orania’s manicured image of safety and self-reliance.
[Source: Cape {town} Etc]
