Former Springbok Kobus Wiese Heartbroken After Beloved Horse Dies in Emotional Loss
- Former Springbok Kobus Wiese has shared a deeply personal farewell after losing a beloved horse
- His emotional message highlighted the special bond between the horse and his wife, Dem
- Followers responded with heartfelt condolences and their own memories of animals they have loved
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Source: Facebook
Former Springbok lock Kobus Wiese is mourning the death of his beloved horse after sharing an emotional tribute on 15 August 2026.
Wiese represented South Africa at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks won the tournament on home soil. He later became a familiar face in South African rugby broadcasting.
In his X post, Wiese wrote:
“Ons harte is seer vanaand, deel van ons lewe is weg” (Our hearts are sore tonight, part of our lives is gone).
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He continued:
“Ons gaan jou mis Grootseun, Dem was so ongelooflik lief vir jou en jy vir haar” (We’re going to miss you, Grootseun. Dem loved you so unbelievably much and you her).
Wiese then wrote:
“Mag jy lekker gallop daar tussen die wolke, jy het ons lewens ryker gemaak” (May you gallop happily there among the clouds, you made our lives richer).
The post gave a glimpse into just how close the former Springbok lock and his wife Dem were with the horse. For many who follow Wiese, it reminded them that even the toughest figures carry deep love for the animals in their lives.
South Africans rally around Wiese
The tribute attracted an outpouring of sympathy, including messages from sports figures and members of the public. Former Springbok captain Rob Louw was among the first to respond, simply writing,
"Sorry to hear, brother."
Olympic swimming legend Ryk Neethling also replied with a prayer emoji, while dozens of everyday South Africans shared their own stories of loss and love for animals.
@angel1lilly said:
“Aiy, so sorry Kobus and family. Really heartsore when we lose the animals we love. So jammer vir julle verlies. Sterkte vir julle almal.”
Other followers also shared messages of comfort.
@AuntyDebbie said:
“My condolences to you all. May his beautiful soul run free amongst the clouds.”
@Geraldsmith69 wrote:
“Gracious Creator thank you for the magnificent gift of this beloved horse Grootseun.
"Thank you for the thunder of his hooves, the gentleness of his spirit, the deep trust that was shared, and the quiet comfort of his presence in their lives. Amen”
@RosemaryStewar1 said:
“Oooh, so painful. I cannot believe the grief as it is so intense, but my thoughts are with you. Gallop happily across fields, Grandson, and enjoy your freedom”
@MargarethC added:
“So sorry for your loss..They become family, not just something on four legs or paws”
Wiese continued responding to messages of support in the days that followed, as followers rallied around him and his family.
Kobus Wiese’s life beyond the Springboks
Briefly News previously reported that Kobus Wiese built a successful business career after stepping away from rugby, establishing Wiesenhof Coffee Shop in 1998 before expanding into a second coffee brand.
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The former Springbok lock and 1995 Rugby World Cup winner reportedly entered the coffee industry with his wife after buying a small Johannesburg coffee shop despite having no previous experience in the sector. Their venture eventually grew into Wiese Coffee Holdings, which includes Wiesenhof and Dulce Café.
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Source: Briefly News
