Brother watches sibling die
2008-09-19 09:45
Klerksdorp - A well-known businessman died in front of his younger brother after crashing his brand-new motorbike while en route to Richard's Bay.
Gerhard Prinsloo, 45, was travelling to the town for a short holiday along with his brother Roelf and some other businessmen when the accident happened.
It would appear his Suzuki Hayabusa motorbike left the road and hit a rock, hurling Prinsloo from the bike.
The accident happened shortly after lunch on Thursday, about 20km outside Kroonstad. Prinsloo apparently bought the bike only three months ago.
"I saw the bike and the helmet. The bike's fork was broken off. The helmet was damaged at the back of the head. It is believed my brother broke his neck," said his other brother, Herman, on Thursday.
Well-known in go-cart circles
He said his brother had said on Thursday morning, before they left for Richard's Bay, that he was scared to ride as it had been a while since he had been so far on a bike.
Prinsloo, who had two shops, which sold car parts had a passion for cars and racing. He and his teammate, Hein Grobler, had up to three years ago been part of the Nissan Hardbody racing team.
Years ago, he was well-known in go-cart circles and was unbeaten on the racetrack with his car Gert "Tjie".
His wife Rinie, a public relations officer at the Life Anncron Clinic, whom he married in 1986, was devastated.
"He lived fast. He lived for others. He was a wonderful person with a big heart. He was my everything, I don't know how I will go on without him. He meant so much to so many people."
Prinsloo is survived by his wife, two children, his mother Ann, three brothers and a sister.
A cremation service will be held on Sunday at 14:00 at the NG Kerk Wilkruin.