The family of Gqeberha’s Vanessa van Rensburg (36) is mourning the death of their beloved sister and daughter after her life was tragically cut short on April 20 when her body was found at a holiday home in Oyster Bay, a small community near Jeffreys Bay.
Known for her boundless compassion and selfless nature, this devoted mother of two touched countless lives with her remarkable ability to love unconditionally.
Born in Johannesburg and raised in Gqeberha, Vanessa was the youngest of four siblings.
She resided in the Walmer area before her untimely passing and leaves behind two young children, aged 8 and 4, as well as her parents and three siblings – Johan (42), Caroline Brooker (40), and Claudette (37).
Reminiscing on his sister’s unique characteristics, Johan said, “Vanessa had a true passion for people.”
“She was selfless and modest. The way she showed genuine empathy and always tried to make others feel better was something special about her.”
Further elaborating, he said that Vanessa loved everyone, and because of that, everyone loved her in return.
“That’s how I want our community to remember her – as a loving person who was selfless,” said Johan.
As previously reported, Vanessa’s bruised body was discovered at her boyfriend’s holiday home in Oyster Bay on April 20 after police in St Francis Bay responded to a complaint at the premises.
According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, she was declared dead on the scene by EMS.
On April 24, he confirmed that no arrests had been made but that the murder case was being investigated.
Family united in grief
To uncover the circumstances surrounding Vanessa’s death, Johan said that his family has hired a private investigator.
“The most challenging aspect right now is coming to terms with the manner in which she died,” said Johan.
“Not having her around feels surreal.”
Despite their profound grief, the family has found strength in unity.
“We’ve been supporting one another by staying together, reminding ourselves of how wonderful she was, and reminiscing on our precious memories with her,” Johan said.
The family will be hosting a private memorial service next week to honour Vanessa’s life and legacy.
Johan said that the message he hopes to carry forward in his own life from Vanessa is to always strive towards true happiness.
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