Mossel Bay Businesswoman Daréne Langenhoven Dies After Choking Incident

Anneliese van der Merwe Published 1 day ago

5 min read

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Daréne Langenhoven, a 50-year-old businesswoman from Danabaai near Mossel Bay, has died following a choking incident at her parents’ home in Gouritsmond on Monday, 12 October 2026.

Langenhoven’s death was confirmed after a post-mortem examination established that a piece of meat had obstructed her airway, causing her death.

The incident occurred at her parents’ home in Gouritsmond, approximately 48 kilometres from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.

Family Describes Final Moments

According to her former husband, Robert Peschel senior, Langenhoven was at the house with her mother, Magda, when the incident occurred.

She had reportedly said she was hungry and heated a leftover steak-and-potato meal in the microwave. While eating, she began choking and struggled to breathe.

Her mother attempted to help her but was unable to resolve the situation. She then ran outside to seek assistance from neighbours.

A neighbour reportedly attempted the Heimlich manoeuvre, while two construction contractors working further along the street also tried to save Langenhoven. Despite their efforts, they were unable to revive her.

Peschel senior said Langenhoven died in her mother’s arms.

Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, a South Cape police spokesperson, confirmed that Albertinia police were called to the scene. Officers found Langenhoven in the front yard of the property.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Wednesday, 14 October, confirmed that her death resulted from an airway obstruction caused by a piece of meat.

Remembered as a Generous Mother

Langenhoven’s 25-year-old son, Robert Peschel junior, described his mother as a generous person who consistently went out of her way to help others, regardless of who they were or where they came from.

He spoke about the close relationship they shared and the lasting memories he would carry following her death.

One of those memories involves playing the piano. His mother enjoyed listening to him play and would often request songs. Although he sometimes found her requests irritating, he said he always played them for her.

Her former husband also paid tribute to her role as a mother, describing her as the best mother their son could have had.

Businesswoman Who Supplied Schools

Langenhoven was known in the Mossel Bay area for her business activities supplying books and stationery to schools, primarily in disadvantaged communities.

Her work involved providing educational materials to schools that needed them, forming part of her professional contribution to the local community.

Her death has left her family grieving the sudden loss of a mother and daughter whose life was closely connected to her family and work.

Funeral Arrangements

Langenhoven is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at the Ewige Lig Church in Voorbaai, Mossel Bay.

Her death followed a sudden choking incident, despite attempts by her mother, a neighbour and two construction workers to help her.

OTHER NEWS

35-Year-Old Man Stabbed And Burnt To Death Near Strand Primary School

A 35-year-old man was found stabbed and set alight in Asanda Village near Strand, Western Cape, on Friday morning, 16 October 2026. Lwandle police have opened a murder investigation as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police were called to the scene at approximately 06:30 after the incident was reported near Asanda Village Wetland Park, opposite Christmas Tinto Primary School.

When officers arrived, they found the man’s body still burning. Police members assisted in extinguishing the flames before it was established that the victim had sustained stab wounds to his upper body. Paramedics also attended the scene and declared him dead.

Police Investigate Fatal Attack

The man was initially unidentified when his body was discovered. Preliminary police investigations subsequently established that he was 35 years old.

Investigators believe the incident may have started several hours earlier, at approximately 03:00, in Celiwe Street in Asanda Village. According to preliminary information, the man was allegedly assaulted and stabbed before being placed inside a wheelie bin and dumped near the wetland park, close to the primary school.

The exact sequence of events leading to his death has not been fully established publicly. Police have not confirmed who was responsible for the attack, and the motive for the killing remains unknown.

A murder case has been registered, and detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Scene Near Primary School

The discovery took place near Christmas Tinto Primary School, where the scene was cordoned off as emergency and law-enforcement personnel responded.

Smoke was visible from the area while a small crowd gathered nearby. Schoolchildren and other passers-by were among those who encountered the scene that morning.

The location of the discovery, close to a school and a public wetland area, brought the incident to the attention of residents and people travelling through the neighbourhood.

However, police have not publicly established a motive or confirmed the identities of any suspects in connection with the killing.

Police Appeal For Information

Lwandle police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist investigators to come forward.

Anyone with relevant information can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Randall van Schalkwyk, on 082 522 1953.

Information can also be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine what happened before the man’s body was discovered, identify those responsible and establish the motive behind the killing.