SEDGEFIELD NEWS - The family of Elza Booyens and little Johannes Kleinhans, who died in the Karatara fire on Saturday 7 June, have been stung by misinformation and rumours about the tragedy.
Caryn Myburgh, sister-in-law of Werner Kleinhans, Johannes’ father, who survived the blaze, has sent a message to the community of Karatara warning them of malicious rumours.
“I need to address something very important,” she said on the Karatara WhatsApp group. “Please, people, if you don’t know the facts, stop filling in the holes yourself and start spreading vicious rumours. For example, it was not Johannes’s birthday. Plus, how do you speak to reporters when you clearly do not know the facts? You know who you are. You are doing nothing but upsetting an already very traumatised family, even running to Werner’s mother (who lives in Mpumalanga) with these crazy conspiracy theories.
“Please, everyone, let us all start healing and stop the sensationalism,” said Myburgh.
Cleone Vanston, Knysna DA’s Ward 2 councillor, has organised a trauma talk session to address the Karatara community today, Tuesday 10 June. Vanston said Families SA (Famsa) will conduct the Karatara fire’s post traumatic stress counselling and talk session at the Karatara community hall.
“I’ve invited Famsa to come out to the community to discuss the services they offer, and if anyone feels they need private counselling, please speak out, ask for help and don’t suffer alone.
“We all hurt together, so let’s heal together,” said Vanston.
Read previous articles:
Mother and child die in Karatara house fire | Knysna-Plett Herald
Karatara fire claims two lives | Knysna-Plett Herald
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