Update
VAN WYKSDORP NEWS - The tiny Karoo village of Van Wyksdorp near Ladismith is still reeling in shock following the brutal murder of 79-year-old Valerie Enzer, an artist and equestrian, who was found dead on the stoep of her farmhouse on Doringkloof, on Monday morning, 14 July.
A 16-year-old local boy from Van Wyksdorp was arrested in connection with the murder on the same day and appeared in the Ladismith Magistrate's Court on Wednesday 16 July.
The accused did not apply for bail and remains in custody in a facility for juvenile delinquents. His next court appearance is on 30 July and he is facing charges of murder, house robbery, rape, theft and stock theft.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson of the National Prosecution Authority, has confirmed that the accused is only 16, and not 17 as reported just after his arrest.
Sergeant Chris Spies, Southern Cape police spokesperson, says Enzer's body was discovered at about 09:00 by a farm worker.
"An investigation led to the arrest of the boy. He remains in police custody. A post-mortem will determine the cause of death and forms part of the ongoing investigation," said Spies.
A bad apple
According to a local, the boy is notorious for his disruptive behaviour. "He just doesn't care about others. We've feared something like this would happen for a long time," the resident said.
A neighbour told Oudtshoorn Courant that Enzer used to send him a message every morning so that he would know that she is safe and sound.
"On Monday I did not receive a message, and since I am on holiday, I sent one of my workers to check on her. He found her on her stoep."
According to initial information, the suspect used Enzer's bank cards at shops in town shortly after the murder.
Valerie Enzer's body was found on the stoep of her farmhouse on her farm, Doringkloof, just outside Van Wyksdorp. Photos supplied
A force of nature
Enzer's only daughter, Georgina Ford, who lives in the United States, paid an emotional tribute to her mother from abroad.
"Today, I want to remember a truly remarkable woman, a force of nature who graced our lives with her vibrant spirit, unwavering passion and boundless kindness," she wrote.
"She was an incredibly talented artist, her creativity flowing onto canvases that captured the beauty she saw in the world around her. She was also wonderfully stubborn.
"Once her mind was made up, there was simply no changing it."
Georgina shared that Enzer had a deep love for all living things, especially horses and African wildlife.
"Above all, she cherished her freedom. Even when we tried to persuade her to move closer to family, she refused. That independent spirit and her commitment to living life on her own terms were part of who she was."
According to Georgina, her mother had a premonition that her life might end this way and left specific instructions to be buried, without fuss, on the land she loved so dearly.
"She lived her life fully and authentically.
Though she's no longer physically with us, the mark she left on the world will never fade. Her spirit, as wild and free as the African landscape she adored, will continue to inspire us all."
Wanted to live in peace
According to her best friend of over 40 years, Sue Venter, Enzer was not a farmer, but a woman of remarkable talent, grace and independence. "She was an accomplished artist and an exceptional equestrian. She loved horses, they were her life. Valerie was born in Scotland into a life of privilege and adventure. She travelled extensively before marrying an army officer. They had a daughter, Georgina, who now lives in the USA," said Venter.
Although Enzer later divorced, she remained on good terms with her ex-husband. Enzer, who is of Scottish descent, fell in love with Africa during her time in Zimbabwe but fled the country during the land invasions. After a brief stay in St Francis Bay, she settled in Van Wyksdorp about 20 years ago, hoping to live out her days on earth in peace.
She lived alone on her farm for the past 18 years and was known as a private but warm-hearted individual.
"She had many social acquaintances, but only a few close friends who truly knew her," Venter said.
A community shaken
A resident of Van Wyksdorp, who asked to remain anonymous, described the town as in "absolute shock and horror" following the murder.
"She was a gentle, kind-hearted woman. She did not deserve to die like this."
Previous articles:
- Van Wyksdorp-moord: Verdagte laat vaar borgtogaansoek
- Van Wyksdorpmoord: 17-jarige in hegtenis
- Moord op Valerie Enzer moet keurpunt wees
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