Lentegeur family mourns Diego Soldaat after fatal stabbing

The family of Diego Soldaat is reeling after he was fatally stabbed at a garage in Lentegeur on Sunday, October 12.

He would have celebrated his birthday next month, said his sister, Louise Soldaat, from Heinz Park. “Our family is shattered. We are struggling to come to terms with his death,” she said.

According to Louise, Diego left his mother’s house on Sunday to walk to an ATM and never returned. “A few shots were fired nearby, and someone came to the house saying he had been shot. In fact, he was lying on the ground at the garage when it happened. The shots weren’t aimed at him, but when he ran, a car with people inside mistakenly thought he had fired. He was then stabbed to death,” she said.

Lentegeur police spokesperson, Constable Navon Van Houten, confirmed the incident occurred at the B.P. Clocktower garage, on the corner of Lavender and Eisleben Roads, at 7.50pm. “The suspects are unknown, as is the motive,” he said.

“Police attended a stabbing incident at the garage. On arrival, Diego was found on the ground with more than six stab wounds to his neck. Fire and rescue services were called, but he was declared deceased at the scene,” Constable Van Houten said.

Louise described the emotional toll on the family. “I have to be strong for them because they are completely shattered. We take it all in together, supporting each other. There are moments when we cry, and moments when we laugh. But Diego didn’t deserve this. He was stabbed and left helpless. Seeing him like that…t'was heartbreaking.”

She said when she received the call, she was shocked. “When I got the call, I left my home immediately. I couldn’t believe it. Seeing him lying there—it was a mix of disbelief and grief. It was awful.”

Diego was known for his warmth and friendliness. “He was always happy, always smiling, joking, and moving around. He loved people and could walk into any house and make everyone feel welcome. Everyone who knew him has only good things to say. He loved music and church, as his parents are leaders in the faith fraternal,” she said.

“Crime affects all of us. We feel unsafe. Every day I see posts about young people who have died, and I wish we could do more. Innocent people are losing their lives, and it must stop.”

Diego’s memorial service will take place tomorrow, Thursday, October 16, at Wonderkerk van Christus in Beacon Valley at 7pm. His funeral will be held on Saturday, October 18, at Petra Life Centre in Rocklands, with viewing at 8.30 am and the service starting at 9am.