HIS home is as neat as a pin. The kitchen counters are spick and span, there's not a dirty dish in sight and a spicy scent wafts through the flat as incense burns in the bedroom. Ever since he lost his daughter, Lance Hess cleans his home obsessively.
"It helps me deal with things. If I sit still, my mind runs wild but when I'm busy, it helps me think clearly," he says.
His daughter, Jesse Hess, was murdered in the flat she shared with her maternal grandfather, Chris Lategan (85) in Parow, Cape Town, in August 2019. The 18-year-old University of the Western Cape student was raped and killed and her granddad also lost his life in a crime that made national headlines.
For Lance, there's at least a measure of justice now that the men who committed the deeds are behind bars, but it's been a hellish rollercoaster.
Jesse's second cousin, David van Boven, was recently convicted of the double murder in the Western Cape high court. During the trial it emerged the 33-yearold sexually assaulted Jesse before smothering her. He then stuffed a sock and pillowcase in her mouth before taping it closed and strangling her with a belt.
Van Boven used a belt to choke Chris to death too, tying it so tightly the veins in his face ruptured. Van Boven and his co-accused, Tasliem Ambrose, also stole cellphones, two TVs, rings and a laptop.
Memories of Jesse are all over her heartbroken dad's home in Bellville, Cape Town.
Van Boven was also convicted of two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, sexual assault, fraud and theft; while Ambrose (39) was found guilty on two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The convictions offer him little comfort, Lance says. Not only has he lost his precious child but the crime has had a devastating impact on his life in many ways.
This story is from the 26 May 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 26 May 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines