Wessels murder: Community comes together for teen’s funeral

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Diego Wessels (17), the Mossel Bay teen who was tragically stabbed to death in D’Almeida last month, was finally laid to rest during an emotional funeral service held in the Sao Bras High School hall on Saturday 11 July.

Diego’s father, Flip April, his mother, Mandy, his step-mother Roseline and his sister and brother, Melissa (12) and Devandré (15), were supported by several members of the Mossel Bay community, including Diego’s friends, rugby teammates and teachers of Sao Bras High School, where he was a Grade 11 learner.

Wessels and the accused, Darren Edwards (24), were at a party in the D’Almeida Community Hall on the night of the murder. Following an argument inside the building, an unknown person reportedly exited the community hall and slashed Edwards’ car tyres.

The funeral was attended by many members of the Mossel Bay community, alongside Diego’s friends and family. Photo: Dexter Brinkhuis

The tyre slasher then fled the scene.

Diego and his friends, for reasons as yet unknown, also ran away and became the target for the accused and two others, who blamed Diego for damaging the tyres.

The accused eventually caught up to Diego in Rosebud Street, D’Almeida, and allegedly stabbed him to death with a sharp object.

Diego’s school peers and rugby teammates were also present and helped carry his casket during the funeral procession. Photo: Dexter Brinkhuis

Several people reportedly witnessed the incident, which led to Edwards’ arrest shortly after. He was denied bail in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court on 8 July.

Diego’s death has devastated his family, friends and the community, where he was well known and admired for his kind and respectful nature, as well as his exceptional talent in rugby and cricket.

Edwards’s next court appearance is on 24 August.

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