Family of latest Voëlklip victim speaks

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The stunningly beautiful Voëlklip's dark reputation as a suicide hotspot was further entrenched when a 41-year-old woman from George ended her life by driving off a cliff there early on Monday morning, 31 March.

The wife and mother of three teenagers, a 19-year-old boy and a twin boy and girl who recently turned 15, is understood to have left her home shortly before first light.

At about 06:30, security cameras caught her vehicle near the George Airport as it was heading towards Herold's Bay.

Once her husband realised what was going on, he and a friend rushed to Voëlklip where they were assisted by a trail hiker known to George Herald. Unfortunately, time had run out.

The police were notified at about 08:50 and the vehicle was located within half an hour. However, her body was only found at about 13:00, as it had not been in the car.

Longtime friends of the 41-year-old woman said they never saw the signs. Once she had made up her mind, she also made sure her husband (or anyone close to her) had no inkling of her intentions.

This, her sister-in-law explained by using the effective analogy of an iceberg, is because people grappling with mental health issues only show observers what they want them to see.

"People are quick to pass judgement, especially on social media. It's not always someone who isn't receiving support and help. Sometimes, despite getting help, the hole just gets deeper," she said.

She went on to say that it is not the road that counts, but the mental state the person is in.

The woman, who asked not to be named in order to protect the children's identities, explained her sister-in-law had had a history of depression for which she was taking prescription medication.

The car had come to a standstill in these turbulent waters. Here, rescue divers and fire services are in attendance.

She highlighted the damaging effect the societal stigma around mental health challenges caused. "Pay close attention to your loved ones. The signs may not be obvious, but you can see them in hindsight. There are a lot of external factors, too. The pressure in South Africa is severe."

This is a view recently shared by Garth Moys, Western Cape regional manager of SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service, in an episode of the television documentary Outopsie featuring Voëlklip.

"Society needs to recognise mental health is important. It happens to everybody at some point in their life. We need to reduce the stigma and ensure people are prepared to seek help when needed," he said.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the response units as well as to every person who called and sent messages. "Even though they may have gone unanswered, we appreciate each and every one," the woman said.

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