This comes after Van Pletzen’s bakkie overturned on a gravel road near the Rustfontein Dam near Botshabelo on New Year’s Eve.

His 16-year-old daughter is still recovering in hospital while his son, Werner, and a friend who were also in the bakkie, were not seriously injured.

Steenkamp described Van Pletzen’s death as a major loss. He worked as a general practitioner at the same hospital for fifteen years.

“Doctor Van Pletzen was well respected among his colleagues and his patients. His presence, his competence and skills will indeed be missed greatly. We also want to convey our sincere condolences to his family and especially the children,” says Steenkamp.

Elsabet Louw, who previously worked for Van Pletzen as a receptionist and now stays in Port Elizabeth, described him as a trusted friend and the best doctor ever.

“He would lie awake at night worrying about his sick patients. They would drive long distances to consult him and he would walk the extra mile with them, he was really the best doctor ever.”

As a friend, I will remember him as very humorous. He was always laughing. He was a trusted and unbelievable friend. It is a very sad day, but Werner was a child of God and he is at a better place now. I will miss him so much,” says Louw.

OFM News