GQEBERHA – The owner of a coffee shop in Summerstrand tragically died after sustaining fatal burn injuries in a reported generator explosion at the premises.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the incident occurred at approximately 12:45 yesterday (4 May).

“It is alleged that the deceased, identified as Jo-Ann Pieters (62), sustained severe burn wounds when a generator reportedly exploded at a coffee shop in Marine Drive, Summerstrand,” said van Rensburg.

Pieters was transported by ambulance to a private hospital, where she later died.

“Upon arrival at the hospital at about 12:57, she was admitted to the trauma unit but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.”

Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tributes pour in

Tributes have since flooded social media pages of Indulge Coffee, where Pieters was remembered as a warm and deeply loved presence in the beachfront community.

One patron wrote: “Our hearts are absolutely shattered… we lost a bestie today. Jo-Ann’s unconditional love was for anyone who walked up those stairs for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Indulge was our happy place.”

Another tribute read: “Our collective hearts are broken. Jo-Ann the landscape of the beachfront has forever dulled and changed without your beautiful, wonderful sunny warmth that you served up daily. Dawie our thoughts and prayers are wrapped around you and the family so tightly… just heartbreaking.”

Community members described her as a constant source of warmth and kindness, noting the deep impact she had on regular patrons and the wider Summerstrand beachfront community.

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