3 Families mourn 3 sons

GEORGE NEWS - The tragic death of three promising young men early Sunday morning in a horrific accident in York Street has left their parents, families and friends devastated and communities from George, Oudtshoorn and Paarl in shock.

Michael van Reizig (24), Devon du Preez (22) and Dino Paulse (23) were killed when their vehicle hit the curb before crashing into a lamppost and a yellowwood tree opposite the George Skatelab.

The silver Polo was ripped in two. The two men seated in front were flung from the vehicle, while the third was trapped in the wreck. Rescue workers had to use the jaws of life to free the body.

Since news of their death broke on Sunday morning, messages of condolences started flooding in.

A devastated Emile du Preez, Devon's father, said he and his wife Petra would like to thank everyone for their support in this very difficult time. Devon was their only child.

"Every handshake, message and visit - we appreciate it. He was such great person, soft and quiet. Always thinking of his fellow man," said Du Preez.

Devon, who matriculated at York High, went on to study mechanical engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) before taking a break last year.

He was working at Motion Fitness in George as a sales representative at the time of his death. Devon will be laid to rest on Saturday 4 March. A service will take place at the Saints Peter and Paul Church in Meade Street at 13:30. A viewing will be held at his house in Laing Street, George South from 12:30.

Michael van Reizig's aunt, Kamilah Collison, said he was the family's star. "Michael had so many dreams and plans for his life. He made us all so proud of all his achievements and was such a happy and level-headed person."

He was also a former Yorkie and was a trainee accountant at Mazars Garden Route. A service will be held this Saturday 4 March at 09:00 at Hope Church in Knysna Road. A viewing will be held at Avbob in Langenhoven Street, George from 07:00 to 08:00. Michael leaves behind his parents, Wayne and Alison and younger siblings, Liam and Lisa.

Dino Paulse's father, Allen, who is the municipal manager of Oudtshoorn, said his child was a "fantastic young man and a wonderful son". "This is a very difficult time for our family; no parent should ever go through this. We would like to thank everyone for their messages and their unbelievable support."

Dino also leaves behind his mother, Adré, brother Curniek and sisters, Adlen and Iviwe. His funeral will take place on Saturday 4 March in Paarl at the Uniting Reformed Church (VGK) Huguenot at 10:00.

Police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie, said George Police are investigating and a case of culpable homicide has been opened. Friends of the young men are planning a walk from McDonalds in Courtenay Street to the accident scene in York Street on Friday 3 March at 18:00.

In another fatal accident early Sunday morning at 05:00 on the N9 near Herold, a 21-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run. The deceased, from Aliwal North, worked on one of the farms in the area. He was reportedly en route to a neighbouring farm when the accident happened.

The man's name has not been released as the police are waiting for his family to identify the body. No vehicles were on the scene and police have requested that anyone with information contact W/O Jerome Malan at 044 803 4764 or 082 297 9629.

In a separate incident, another pedestrian was run over last Friday night (24 February) at about 18:00 on the N2 highway near Thembalethu. April Hobanie (52) allegedly ran across the highway when he was hit by a vehicle. He died on the scene.