- Janine Lochrenberg, a 65-year-old retired nuclear radiographer and musician, died in a shark attack off Orient Beach in KuGompo City on 20 October 2026
- Her long-time travel companions shared an emotional tribute recalling years of 4x4 camping adventures across southern and central Africa
- Social media users expressed deep sadness, describing Janine as a vibrant and lovely person from the photos shared by her friends
Source: Facebook
Janine Lochrenberg was a woman who chased adventure. The 65-year-old retired nuclear radiographer and local musician from KuGompo City (formerly East London) lost her life on 20 October 2026 during a swim with her open-water swimming association off Orient Beach, South Africa, when she was fatally attacked by a shark.
The following day, her close friend Avril Jason shared a heartfelt tribute on her Facebook account, which captured the shock and grief felt by those who knew her best.
A life built on adventure
Avril described Janine as a beloved travel companion of many years, recalling 4x4 camping trips the group had shared since 2011 through some of southern Africa's most celebrated wild spaces, including the Kgalagadi, Mokala, Mapungubwe and Richtersveld. Their most ambitious journey came just a year ago, travelling through Namibia all the way to Zambia, where they explored the Liuwa Plain, Kafue and Victoria Falls.
In a detail that struck her friends as heartbreakingly ironic, Janine had recently mentioned wanting to visit Gonarezhou, but admitted she was wary of the elephants there. Sharks never crossed her mind.
"Hamba kahle [go well], dear friend, until we meet again," Avril wrote. "Our love and thoughts are with Barbara and her family."
See the tribute in the Facebook post below:
Mzansi mourns Janine
The tribute resonated with many, and condolences poured in from across social media.
@Lynette Van Blommestein Barry said:
"So sorry to hear this sad news about your friend. May she rest in peace. Hold onto the beautiful memories 🙏."
@Linda Rooney wrote:
"Very tragic; our thoughts are with you all who were part of her life 🙏🫶."
@Shelley Howroyd shared:
"Sincerest condolences 🌱 to all who loved her and especially Barbara and family!"
@Tracy Pretorius added:
"Thanks so much for the shared photos."
@Vee James said:
"You can see she was full of life; condolences to the family 🗿."
@Onele Sizani wrote:
"She was a lovely person; you can tell by looking at her face, oh what a sad story. My deepest condolences to her and family ❤️."
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Source: Briefly News
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