A Silent Killer in Centurion: Mother and Son Lost in Weber Braai Tragedy

A quiet home in Centurion has become the center of an unimaginable tragedy, leaving a school and a community grappling with a profound loss. A mother and her young son were found dead in their home, their lives apparently claimed by an invisible, silent killercarbon monoxide.

The victims have been identified as Jenni-Lee Hofmeester and her son, Simon Wilken, a Grade 1 learner at Laerskool Wierdapark. According to paramedics at the scene, the preliminary cause of death is smoke inhalation after charcoal was lit in a Weber braai inside the tightly sealed house.

A Devastating Discovery

Emergency responders arrived to find all the windows and doors closed, creating a lethal, airtight environment. When charcoal burns, it releases odorless, colorless carbon monoxide gas. In an enclosed space, the gas quickly displaces oxygen, leading to unconsciousness and death without any warning.

The school community is reeling. Laerskool Wierdapark issued a statement filled with sorrow, describing the loss with “indescribable heartbreak.” The school has asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they navigate this devastating time.

A Glimmer of Life Amid the Loss

In a heartbreaking sidebar to the tragedy, the family’s three dogs were found alive inside the home and were rushed to a veterinarian. Tragically, a pregnant dog among them lost her unborn puppies. The surviving dogs are now recovering and will need new homes, with rescuers appealing to the public for help covering the veterinary costs.

Police have opened an inquest to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This devastating incident serves as a critical, if tragic, reminder of a grave danger many may not consider. It underscores the vital importance of never, under any circumstances, using outdoor heating or cooking appliances like braais, generators, or gas stoves indoors. The comfort of warmth is never worth the risk of a silent, scentless, and fatal mistake.

{Source: Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com