The Big Hole Drama, Friday 31 October 1975 – Part 1
From The DFA Monday, 3 November 1975
TWO YOUTHS IN BIG HOLE DRAMA
The police are searching for a 19-year-old Coloured youth who, together with a friend, allegedly had planned to end their lives by jumping down the Big Hole.
David Kokora of 22 Sixth Street, Homevale left his home on Friday with a friend, Mr Harry Koopman, to attend a dance.
The youths left in separate cars and were allegedly involved in a minor collision.
Mr Kokora then left to fetch a breakdown truck. The two youths later allegedly crawled through the fence of the Big Hole where Mr Koopstad told Mr Kokora that he was planning to end his life. Mr Kokora allegedly said that he too was going to commit suicide.
Mr Koopstad was found on a ledge in the mine on Saturday by a De Beers security guard who told him to crawl back to the surface.
He was admitted to the Kimberley Hospital with a broken shoulder and multiple bruises.
Although the mine was searched police have not yet managed to find any trace of Mr Kokora whose parents yesterday appealed to him to “come home if you are hiding.”
When last seen Mr Kokora was wearing a blue and white checked shirt, black pull-over jersey and blue jeans.
Any persons knowing the whereabouts of the youth has been asked to telephone either the police or Mr Kokora at 93856.
Notes by Steve:
1. The surname is Kakora, I have kept the DFA spelling.
From Kimberley Calls and Recalls on Facebook By Steve Lunderstedt
Shortlink for this post: https://www.kimberley.org.za/?p=7566
