Friends and family share shock and sadness following the death of Breyton Paulse's mother

Tributes continue to pour in for the mother and aunt of former Springbok Breyton Paulse who both died in a tragic accident at the weekend. 

Breyton's mom, Setta Visagie, and her sister Marie Gelant, from Ceres, drowned on Sunday afternoon while on vacation in Hermanus in the Western Cape.  

Their shocking deaths have triggered a cascade of condolences on social media. 

Marina Potgieter, whose family had employed Setta, posted a moving tribute on Facebook. 

"Dearest Little Setjie, our hearts are so sore! We love you so terribly and are going to miss your nice laugh, your caring love and tight hugs infinitely," she wrote in a touching post.

"You were a special woman. We will miss you so much. @Breyton Paulse, Elzaan Zanie Visagie and @Nathan Visagie – we are thinking of you."

Marina tells YOU that Setta had worked on a farm for her parents, Charl and Pauline du Toit, for many years.

"Setta has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember. She was the most incredible woman; our hearts are broken," she says.

"From 1973 onwards she always came to play with us after school. She started working for my parents from 1977 until 2005 and then she worked for my brother until now."

The former Springbok is asking for prayers during this difficult time. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

"It's so tragic. People don't want to believe it," she continues. "She was truly a special person and her death leaves a huge void in the lives of all of us." 

The farm in Skurweberg, near Ceres is same place where Breyton grew up and his rugby dream was born. He credits the du Toit's for helping him make that dream come true and would often visit when he needed a break.

"My mom and dad and my grandparents have been there from the beginning," Breyton told YOU in 2001.

"I get mentally tired sometimes. I go back to the farm whenever I need peace. I prefer the quiet there so when I need a break I visit my mom, Setta," he added. 

In a statement on Sunday, Andre Barnard, the station commander for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Hermanus, said their team was sent out after eyewitnesses spotted two bodies in the water.

NSRI rescue swimmers, a sea rescue vessel called the Rotarian Burnett and paramedics were called to the scene, but by then it was too late.

The women, who were both in their 60s, couldn't be revived.

Although Breyton confirmed the deaths, he's too distraught to speak to the media.