Suicide violinist was 'intense, depressed'

Bloemfontein – SA violinist Annake de Villiers, who committed suicide on Tuesday, had recently been in and out of institutions where she was getting treatment for depression, according to friends.

De Villiers shot herself in the head and was found in her parents' house on the farm Bankpan near Steynsrus in the Free State, reported Beeld.

Well-known singer and family friend, Coenie de Villiers, described De Villiers as an inspiration to all who knew her.

He said on Tuesday, "A beautiful person has been taken away. We are very sad."

De Villiers divorced singer Jannie Moolman two years ago.

She had performed numerous times, both with concerts and on her own and was known as a cheerful but intense person; driven in her work and exceptionally talented, reported Die Volksblad.

In 2004 she performed with Josh Groban and she also played three times for the Prince of Jeddah in the Seychelles.

'Taking this badly'

Her father, Dr AP de Villiers, confirmed that she took her own life. 

"It is terrible for all of us here. We are all taking this badly," said her father.

Singer Lize Beekman, a friend of De Villiers, 36, is believed to have found the body.

De Villiers was found with a .38 special revolver next to her body.

A police spokesperson said an inquest would be held.