A trip to the Kruger National Park turned into a nightmare for a Ladysmith family after their 73-year-old father died of the Covid-19 virus at the weekend.
André Keijser, his wife Dirkje and a 86-year-old friend took a “wonderful holiday” to the reserve on March 5, but disaster struck on the 11th day.
“We had a wonderful holiday and all was well until our return, when André started complaining of his sore body,” said Dirkje said.
“He complained about getting cold and I took him to the doctor and we were told that he had mild symptoms of the virus. We returned home and on Wednesday I took him back to the doctor and he was admitted. He passed away (Saturday) night.”
She said it was “heartbreaking and devastating” to lose someone who was strong and fit to the virus. André was a non-smoker and had a healthy lifestyle.
“The sad part about all this, and it’s devastating, is that he passed on alone.
The widow warned that people need to take the virus more seriously: “I’m not blaming the Kruger, but I’m saying people, please get it into your minds that this virus is dangerous.
“We are in self-quarantine and it’s not a pleasant experience, especially when you’ve just lost your loved one.”