Matie's death devastates family
2006-06-01 08:10
Stellenbosch - A senior Matie student who was in the middle of examinations hanged himself from a cupboard in his flat.
Johann Gerstner, 21, an ex-pupil of Stellenberg high school and a fourth-year BA student, committed suicide on Sunday at about 18:00 when his flatmate went to have coffee with someone in the same complex, La Dauphine. Another friend discovered Johann's body.
The national flag hung at half-mast in front of the administration building at the University of Stellenbosch on Monday, and a few roses against the deceased's front door bore mute testimony to the heartbreak at this student town.
Johann's grieving father Friedrich Gerstner said the suicide was ''awful''.
"I have cried so much, there are no tears left. I am broken-hearted. My son and I were like a koeksister, he shared everything with me. No parent could have had a better child. Johann was everyone's pal and a loyal, friendly guy. He was a great man, with a very soft heart.
"I don't know why he did it, but I have my suspicions. It just wasn't like him to do a thing like that,'' said his father in tears.
Johann apparently did not have exam admission for all his subjects, but had hidden this from his parents.
Gerstner said he would like to help other young people who were burdened with the same problems as his son.
''Many children at Stellenbosch are all alone. I really want to link up with a group that helps other children. I don't want the same thing to happen to other parents. It's the most awful, awful thing.''