Remembering South African woman Angelique de Wet at Darwin Botanic Gardens

Darwin’s small but strong South African community has come together to remember the life of Angelique de Wet, who was killed in the botanic gardens only three months after arriving in the Territory.

Fallen tree branch victim Angelique de Wet has been remembered in a memorial service held in her honour at the Darwin Botanic Gardens on Sunday.

The South African national was killed two weeks ago while walking through the garden with husband Collin, when a tree branch suddenly broke, killing Ms de Wet and seriously injuring Mr de Wet.

Ms de Wet was 28 years old and the couple had moved to Darwin just three months earlier.

Botanic Gardens employee Catherine McAlpine was one of six people present when the tree fell, attending to the couple and notifying emergency services.

Ms McAlpine initiated the memorial, collaborating closely with the NT South African Association, which rallied around 33-year-old Mr de Wet after he was hospitalised.

Guests walk to the site to lay flowers for Angelique de Wet. Picture: Zayda Dollie

Hermanus Louw and Pastor Lars Halvorsen place a wreath in front of the tree. The site remains closed to the public. Picture: Zayda Dollie

Around 45 people attended the event, including Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and Fannie Bay MLA Brent Potter.

Most of the guests were from Darwin’s small South African community and came in a show of support although they did not know Ms de Wet personally.

Guests were invited to lay a flower as part of a wreath-laying ceremony 20 metres in front of the site of the accident.

The Monkey Ear Pod tree responsible for the death is now cordoned off with police tape and closed to the public.

Ms McAlpine read out a letter written by Ms de Wet’s father, in which he paid tribute to his daughter.

“From the day you were born, I have loved you and will for the rest of my days,” he wrote.

“I have never known another person with a heart like yours - you could have forgiven and forgotten in an instant.”

Hermanus Louw, representing the NT South African Association, commended the South African community for showing solidarity in times of hardship.

“Thank you for supporting someone you’ve never met before,” he said.

A memorial was held on Sunday for fallen tree branch victim Angelique de Wet, who died in the Darwin Botanic Garden two weeks ago. Picture: Zayda Dollie

Mr de Wet is recovering in South Africa from injuries sustained after the incident.

After being taken to hospital and treated for multiple fractures, he was released and permitted to travel.

Mr de Wet’s cousin in South Africa was able to acquire a visa to come to Australia and accompany Mr de Wet on his flight home.

Ms McAlpine shared that Mr de Wet was grateful for the outpouring of support he had received from people in the Territory after the incident, including the generosity of his Darwin-based employer NDE Solutions.

The company packed up the couple’s joint home and belongings on Mr de Wet’s behalf, supporting him emotionally and financially to return to family after being released from hospital.