Young girl dies from handfull of pills
A 13-year-old girl, Engelique Botha of Honda Street, sadly passed away on Saturday, September 13 in Natalspruit Hospital. The young girl was a grade seven learner at Opelweg Primary.
ALBERTON – The heartbroken mother explained the circumstances leading to the death of her beloved girl, who was the last born in the house.
“On Wednesday night September 10, while I was watching a funny swollen face and acting very lethargic, I discovered that she had taken a handful of my tablets. She could not speak a word, and we rushed her to the hospital where she died on Saturday without saying a word for four days,” said the tearful mother.
Engelique’s best friend, Devoné September, had this to say: “We were together on Wednesday, and that evening I took her halfway home. Once near her home, before we parted, she said ‘This could be the last day you see me’. I thought she was only joking and I walked back home.”
According to the family and friends, Engelique was a very quiet girl who was very serious about her school work. She was always at home or with her best friend Devoné.
“Why did she do this to me? I asked her over and over, but she could not speak and I could not get an answer about why she did it. Why would she decide to commit suicide and not give us her reason. I had so many plans for her future. Being the baby in the house, I wanted her to have a good education.
“Her father passed away last year (2013) at this time of the year. Is it the memory of her father that could have triggered her taking the pills? I really don’t know,” said the sorrowful widow.
The deceased left one message on her cellphone: “I love you very much mummy. Devoné my friend, you are the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you Devoné. Mummy, know that I love you.”
Engelique was laid to rest on Saturday, September 20. May her soul rest in peace. She will be missed by family and friends, especially her classmates.
