Pretoria - A joint memorial service will be held on Friday morning for a St Alban’s College matric pupil who committed suicide and his mother who took her own life soon after.
Erik du Preez shot himself at his Erasmuskloof home and was confirmed dead just after 11.30pm on Monday night.
The school’s principal, Tom Hamilton said they understood soon afterwards, his mother, Ingrid, apparently unable to deal with her son’s death and using the same firearm, shot herself. The service will be held at the Moreletapark Dutch Reformed Church.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Dave Muller confirmed the double shooting.
The reason for the schoolboy taking his own life is not known. Erik was said to have been well-liked.
“Our primary objective at this time is to create opportunities to support the grieving process of Erik’s family and the school community,” Hamilton said.
“In addition to shock and sadness, a suicide may also cause fear, confusion, guilt and unanswered questions for a family, and we are actively addressing those issues.”
Hamilton said protocols had been put in place at the school for support measures.
“Today has been a sad day for all of us. We encourage you to talk about Erik’s death with your friends and family. Say a prayer tonight,” Hamilton tweeted on Tuesday.
Other people who knew Erik or were associated with the school also took to social media sites to offer their condolences.
“He was the kid I’d go to when I needed a mood lift,” a friend wrote on Facebook yesterday.
“Today the entire world is a little worse off. Bro, I can’t explain how much we’ll miss you. Rest in Peace: Erik Du Preez 11/02/2014,” he wrote.
“#RIP to Erik du Preez whose from our fellow brother school, St Albans College and his mother. Sad news,” tweeted @b3autyspot
The Star