Jestine Alckers, left, and Denolene Smith, speak about the death of four farmworkers in Stellenbosch. Photographer Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
Cape Town - The close-knit farming community of Koelenhof in Stellenbosch is mourning four farmworkers who died after drinking expired alcohol.
Juanita Hull, Megan Heynes, Wilhemina Snyder, boyfriend Elton Greene, and Monecia Alckers, were among a group drinking together on July 26.
Days later, an ambulance was dispatched to fetch three of them.
Monecia’s sister, Jestine Alckers said: “They took the gin from Joubert Family Wine farm that Friday morning.
Apparently, there was a 25-litre bucket and they only got 1.5 litres. It was a very strong drink, which they chased with a cool drink.
“It looked like water, I understand that it was expired but I don’t know if they knew that it was.”
Monecia is the only farmworker still alive. Jestine explained this was not the first time they had consumed the drink.
“The first time, a month ago, he took a 25-litre bucket with the alcohol and nothing happened.
“They were reportedly told by someone at the farm that if they drank the alcohol again, then they will go blind and die.
“And that is what happened. On Friday and Saturday they had no problems.
“On Sunday they first complained about their eyesight and then they said they were nauseous and throwing up.”
Jestine said they called the ambulance.
“My sister got her sight back and we called the ambulance. We thought Wilhemina was having a stroke because she had slurred speech and was incoherent.
“And when the others started speaking like that, we knew something was wrong.
“Wilhemina’s boyfriend, Elton, was fine so he left them at the hospital and then went to his sister’s house. He died the following day.
“It’s traumatic because we thought they were going to survive.
“We thought they ate something but we are now convinced that they were poisoned by what they all drank.”
A Joubert Family Wine farm manager said they would not comment on the incident.
“We are waiting for the detectives to investigate. We send our condolences to the families of the deceased.”
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, said Stellenbosch detectives registered inquest cases for investigation.
“A 63-year-old female was admitted to hospital where she was declared deceased upon arrival on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
“A 41-year-old male was declared deceased on July 28, while two females aged 16 and 43 died at hospital in Parow on July 31.
“Two other victims were discharged from hospital and another victim did not need medical assistance.
“Post-mortems will be conducted to determine the causes of death.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are the subject of an investigation by the South African Police Service,” said Twigg.
Anyone with any information about this incident is requested to contact Crime Stop at 0860010111.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za
Cape Argus
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