Derick Hougaard: A Mysterious Ailment and Unanswered Questions

1 min read
derick hougaard toxicology report

Former Springboks player Derick Hougaard recently emerged from a coma that lasted nearly a week. As he regains his strength, the question on everyone’s mind is what caused his mysterious ailment. The discovery of an unlabeled bottle of medication in his home has raised concerns about foul play.

Admission to Hospital and Toxicology Report

On June 10, Nadine found Derick unresponsive in their home. He was immediately admitted to the ICU division of Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria East. A toxicology report revealed “elevated levels” of toxins in his bloodstream, which have since subsided over time.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

Suspicious Medication

The half-empty bottle of medication found in Derick’s home, without a label, has become the central focus of the investigation. It is believed to be a cough syrup and has been sent to laboratories for testing. Nadine has expressed concern that someone might have given Derick the toxic cough medicine.

Derick’s Account and Louis Liebenberg’s Theories

Nadine has stated that Derick will soon reveal the truth about the medication and who provided it to him. Derick’s controversial friend Louis Liebenberg suspects foul play and has taken to Facebook to express his concerns. He believes that Derick was placed under unnecessary strong sedation and that something happened the night before he was found unconscious. Despite respecting Derick’s autonomy, he feels responsible for protecting his friend in times of crisis.

The truth behind Derick Hougaard’s coma remains unknown. The discovery of the unlabeled bottle of medication and the involvement of Louis Liebenberg only add to the mystery. Derick’s own account may shed light on the situation and bring clarity to the shadows of speculation. Until then, the story of the “toxic” medication continues to captivate and intrigue.

Kagiso Petersen is a Cape Town journalist who reports on the city’s evolving food culture—tracking everything from township braai innovators to Sea Point bistros signed up to the Ocean Wise pledge. Raised in Bo-Kaap and now cycling daily along the Atlantic Seaboard, he brings a palpable love for the city’s layered flavours and even more layered stories to every assignment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

South African Youth Urged to Contribute to Water Sector

Next Story

Pitso Mosimane: A Revered Soccer Coach the World Awaits to Hear

Latest from Blog

A Teenager in a White Coat: How One Student Shattered South Africa’s Medical Age Record

{“summary”: “Imagine a whiz kid, David Obagbuwa, who started high school at 11 and became a doctor at just 21! He shattered South Africa’s medical age record, proving that a sharp mind and hard work can achieve amazing things. From classrooms in KwaZuluNatal to intense medical studies, David tackled every challenge. Even during lockdown, he quickly mastered his courses. Now, he’s ready to help people, showing that big dreams can come true, no matter how young you are.”}

Martian Dust, Carbon ankles & a R4-million Promise: Inside the 2026 Cape Epic’s Mobility Rebellion

Get ready for the 2026 Cape Epic, but this isn’t just any bike race! Three special teams, using amazing robotic legs and carbon ankles, will tackle the tough trails. They’re racing to raise R4 million to buy 200 new prosthetic limbs, 150 wheelchairs, and 50 sports blades for people in South Africa who need them. Every pedal stroke helps someone gain freedom and move again, showing that movement is for everyone, not just a few. This epic journey turns sweat into hope, changing lives one kilometer at a time.

Cape Town’s Shadow State: How Extortion Became the New Township Taxman

Cape Town has a big problem: bad guys are shaking down businesses and projects for money. They act like “taxmen” in townships, making building costs shoot up and forcing small shops to close. These criminals cause fear, stop important work, and even kill people who get in their way. It’s like a shadow government taking over, making life hard for everyone and costing the city tons of money. People are scared, and it’s unclear how this dangerous situation will ever truly end.

The Woman Who Taught Cape Town to Breathe Under Fire

Arlene Wehr taught Cape Town how to fight fires like a boss! She was one of the first women firefighters and totally changed the game. Arlene created cool new ways to find water, like “Operation Liquid Grid,” and made sure everyone had a chance to become a firefighter, even women. Because of her, Cape Town is safer, and the fire department is much more welcoming to all.

Morea House: Where the Atlantic Meets Art, Granite and Ghost-Nets

Morea House is Cape Town’s first fancy Marriott hotel, born from an old 1960s building. It shines with blushpink walls and art made from old fishing nets, making it feel truly special. This hotel is all about local beauty, from its design to its food, and even how it saves the planet. Imagine rooftop pools, unique spa experiences, and rooms where you wake up to amazing views. It’s a place where every detail tells a story of the ocean and the land, making your stay unforgettable.