AFTER NIGHT OUT IN SPRINGBOK
Reporter – Isaac Cloete
SPRINGBOK:- A night of socializing ended in tragedy when 31-year-old Sovistia Fortuin from Concordia was fatally struck by a vehicle.
Wesley Roberts is still in hospital with series injuries
Some are calling it a mysterious hit-and-run incident.
Her new boyfriend, Wesley Roberts (41), sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
The incident happened early Saturday morning near Beavers, a popular gathering spot in Springbok’s industrial area. Details around what led to the tragedy are still unclear, and the local community is abuzz with rumors and conflicting reports.
Two men were immediately linked to the event. One is Martin “Buks” Simon, a local DJ from Concordia and Sovistia’s ex-boyfriend. The other is reportedly an employee of the Nama Khoi Municipality. Both names were circulated widely as speculation spread rapidly through the community.
According to sources, Simon was performing at Beavers the night of the incident. Witnesses say there may have been a verbal altercation between him and Roberts. Later that night, Sovistia and Roberts reportedly left the venue on foot, heading down Inry Street. It was there they were struck by a vehicle.
Sovistia died at the scene, while Roberts was rushed to Upington Hospital with severe injuries.
Simon, who later found himself involved in a separate accident near the Springbok police station, denied any involvement in Sovistia’s death. “I did not hit or kill anyone,” he said, explaining that he was in another vehicle accident in Voortrekker Street involving a police bakkie. “Someone had already been arrested in connection with the Beavers incident,” he added.
Simon also confirmed that he had been in a relationship with Sovistia around thirteen years ago, which he believes is why he was initially linked to the case.
The second individual who was implicated has refused to take any phone calls unrelated to family or Nama Khoi Municipality matters.
Sovistia’s father, Hendrik Fortuin, expressed sorrow but also a sense of relief that progress seemed to be happening in the investigation. “The detective knows more,” he added, without elaborating.
Police spokesperson Captain Ivan Magerman confirmed that Springbok police are investigating a case of culpable homicide, following the incident which occurred around 5:30 AM on Saturday.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the lead investigator, Sergeant Bryan Williams, at 082 495 5279.
Pictures – Isaac Ckoete