Bloemfontein - A well-known Bloemfontein architect, businessman and travel agent has died in a clinic in Zurich, Switzerland.

Johann Beukes ended his own life yesterday, with the help of the Swiss organization Dignitas. He was 66 years old.

Family spokesperson Albé Grobbelaar says Beukes suffered from a rare, severely painful condition where cartilage in joints disintegrates at an unpredictable tempo. Since his childhood Beukes underwent more than 30 operations. At age 31 he already had bilateral hip replacements.

A friend, Dolf Schutte, says the condition caused relentless pain which in the end could not be managed with medication.



Beukes leaves behind his wife Monique, three children, Johard, Leandi en Izanne, as well as three grandchildren.

Karien Jordaan/OFM News



