Community mourns ‘heart and soul’ of Gqeberha coffee shop after tragic generator blast.
Image: FACEBOOK
JO-ANN Pieters, the heart and soul of Indulge Coffee in Gqeberha, has tragically passed away following a suspected generator explosion, leaving the community in mourning and reflecting on her profound impact on their lives.
According to police, she sustained severe burn wounds shortly before 1pm when a generator reportedly exploded at the coffee shop.
Pieter’s, 62, was rushed to a private hospital and admitted to the trauma unit but later succumbed to her injuries.
"No foul play is suspected at this stage. Police have opened an inquest docket, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident," said South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg.
Friends who knew Pieters say her death has left a painful void in the lives of many people she touched over the years.
Klaas Kingma, 28, said he was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of someone he described as deeply compassionate and selfless.
“I am heartbroken. She was a real pillar of the community and has been there for a whole lot of people in their darkest and hardest times,” Kingma said.
He said he initially learned about her death through a WhatsApp group message and could not believe what he was reading.
"When I heard that she died, I was in shock and I couldn't believe it because the message just came through on a WhatsApp group," he said.
Kingma said Pieters had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued, even in the smallest gestures.
"She was a fantastic person. She was so strong and always there for people in need and a very God-fearing woman," he said.
He recalled how she would leave handwritten notes beneath coffee cups for customers, often including Bible verses or words of encouragement that somehow arrived at exactly the right moment.
"They always just seemed to hit home and be written at the perfect time for the perfect person," Kingma added.
Her death has also sparked frustration among some community members after Kingma claimed the business had been relying on a generator because power cables in the area had allegedly been stolen.
"I'm upset because the whole reason why they were even running a generator is because the power cables were stolen," he said.
Kingma said he had briefly spoken to her husband, who is now trying to arrange the memorial service while supporting the family through their grief.
Another close friend, Mathilda Hornsveld, shared an emotional tribute, describing Pieters as inseparable from the coffee shop she helped make special.
"My favourite coffee shop with the magic view is nothing without you," She posted on Facebook.
She remembered Pieters for her warmth, affection and love for people and animals alike.
"You loved my dog Dobby, and everybody's dogs! Who will feed the birds now?" she said.
Hornsveld said Pieters knew every customer who walked through the doors and made each person feel welcomed and loved.
"It was our favourite place, and you always welcomed us with a warm smile. I have no words. Just tears."
Pieters' memorial service will be held at Summerstrand United Church at 2pm on Friday.