Frederika Waterboer, the mother of the late Wilhemina Waterboer, is consumed with grief and worry about how she will support and raise her five granddaughters after the alleged murder of their mother.

Wilhemina Waterboer was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend Jeffrey Elvin Dirks last Saturday in the Keetmanshoop Ileni informal settlement.

In an interview with NBC News, the family described 39-year-old Wilhelmina as a kind, bubbly and generous woman who was always willing to help others and share whatever little she had. She was the sole breadwinner of the family, and her mother, Frederika Waterboer, said Wilhelmina always ensured that she and her children had something to eat.

The family say they are still in disbelief that Wilhelmina's life was cut short so suddenly and brutally.

"How am I going to support those children who are still going to school? Her eldest daughter, sitting here, has already finished school. There are still four girls going to school. Two of the youngest are staying with me in Gainachas."

According to the police report, an argument between Waterboer and the suspect allegedly escalated into a physical altercation. 

She was declared dead on arrival by paramedics, although no visible injuries were found on her body.

However, Wilhelmina's sister, Senoritha Rooy, says the family was given a different account of what happened, based on a statement by the eldest daughter.

"According to the eldest daughter's statement, she told him, 'Stop hitting me so much.' I am in pain. Please leave me alone." But he didn't stop. He continued hurting her even more. She was lying there and asked her daughter to take her outside the house so she could get some air, as she had troubled breathing."

Rooy said she and her sister were extremely close, and her death left a devastating void in the family.

She said her sister and her boyfriend have been in a relationship since last November.

The family says the suspect is in custody and they have left the matter in the hands of the justice system and her death in the hands of the Almighty.

Jeffrey Elvin Dirks made his first appearance in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges of murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Dirks remains in police custody, and the case has been postponed to 25 January 2027.