GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Following the incident reported by the Advertiser last week, concerning the sudden death of a patron at the Desert Springs Spur in Graaff-Reinet on Tuesday, July 26, the local police media liaison office has issued further information.
The victim was 46-year-old Paul Rossouw, who had arrived in Graaff-Reinet the previous day to commence service as a relief prosecutor in the Graaff-Reinet Regional Court on July 27.
He had been appointed to this position until December 2016. He had booked in at a local guest house on Monday, eaten at the Spur, and had chosen to dine at the Spur again on Tuesday evening.
Tragically he experienced medical problems on Tuesday evening, and a call was made to the ambulance service and police at 8.30pm that a man was in distress.
Both services responded immediately, but were unfortunately unable to save him.
Rossouw originally started studying to become a teacher, but later changed his career path and after obtaining his law degree started his legal career as a public prosecutor here in Graaff-Reinet in 1995.
He was well known in the town, and this link to the beginnings of his career probably explains his special fondness for Graaff-Reinet.
Rossouw’s career, posts and promotions led him to become a Regional Court Prosecutor.
His dedication and diligence to justice was rewarded while he was posted in Port Alfred.
His office was awarded a certificate for the “Best District Court” in the Eastern Cape for the year 2014/2015, and the office was also ranked among the top 10 in the country.
Rossouw was never married and had no children. He leaves behind his parents and three brothers.
Rossouw’s remains have been taken to Pretoria where a private service and cremation will be held.
The Rossouw family wishes to thank the Desert Spring Spur’s owners, management, staff, the local Emergency Rescue Services as well as the patrons, who reached out in assistance and kind consideration not only during the incident but also in the aftermath and investigation.
As the inquest investigation is still ongoing, the probable cause of his death has not yet been made public.
The investigating officer stressed that it is important in public interest to clarify that Desert Springs Spur is exempted from any implication in Rossouw’s unexpected and untimely demise.
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