Son's final call to murdered dad

2008-01-08 23:16

Virginia Keppler

Pretoria - "I'm the man in the house now and I must be strong for my younger brothers and sisters, and for Ursula," says Jamie Picton-Turbervill whose father was shot dead in front of his wife and children.

Fred Picton-Turbervill was shot in the head by robbers on Saturday night in his home in the upmarket suburb of Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, in front of his wife, Ursula, and their children, Samantha,10, Bryony, nine, Natasha, six, and three-year-old Gregory.

Jamie arrived in South Africa on Tuesday with his grandmother, Catherine Clay, 78, for his father's funeral.

They told Beeld of their mixed emotions of heartache, anger and joy at seeing their family again.

The robbers fled with a laptop, four cellphones, jewellery and about R1 000 in cash.

Fred died a few hours after being admitted to the Little Company of Mary Hospital, on Jamie's 21st birthday.

Ashes going to Wales

Jamie said he was happy he had been able to speak to his father for two hours, just two nights before he was murdered.

Richard Picton-Turbervill, 83, Fred's father, will arrive in South Africa later this month to stay with the family for a month.

Jamie said: "My dad is survived by family spread throughout the world. He touched hearts and was dearly loved, everywhere.

"Our one consolation is that we have family and friends who are supporting us in these dark times."

His father will be cremated after a memorial service and the ashes taken to England where they will be scattered in Wales, where he grew up.

- Beeld