Man killed in getaway horror

2008-02-04 22:59

Marietie Louw-Carstens

Phalaborwa - A pensioner died a gruesome death at Klaserie Dam near Hoedspruit after falling from a boat and being hit on the head by the propellor.

Ras "Dolf" Grobler, 65, died instantly.

His stepson, Christo Coetzer, said on Monday: "It was a terrible tragedy. What can one say? It was freak accident."

He said he and his parents had gone camping for the weekend at a spot next to Klaserie Dam.

"My father loved camping and fishing. It was his life."

Coetzer launched the boat, an 85hp Cabin Cruiser, into the water late on Friday afternoon so that he and Grobler could get an early start for the next morning's fishing.

Just after the boat was launched, Coetzer saw his father heading for the area where they were camping.

"The next instant, the boat was on its side and my father had fallen over the edge. My only thought was to save him."

Stuck in the motor

Coetzer ran about 400m to the embankment of the dam, which is 100% full, dived in and swam 40m to the boat.

Other campers also dived in to help.

"Unfortunately, it was already too late when we got to him," said an emotional Coetzer.

He said the boat had gone directly over his dad. The propellor hit him against the head.

"When we got to him, he was stuck in the motor."

It was not clear why Grobler had fallen over the side. He was alone on the boat at the time.

Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba said there would be a post-mortem on Tuesday to determine whether Grobler had died from his injuries or drowned.

Coetzer said: "My dad was a very loving man, and he was liked by everyone. This would have been our first break since last May. We just wanted to relax and enjoy the weekend."

- Beeld