What began as a joyful trip to celebrate her 29th birthday ended in sorrow for Primrose Happy Vale, a South African makeup artist. The Rustenburg-born woman tragically passed away in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 22, leaving her family grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and a hefty financial burden to bring her body back home.
Primrose’s father, Orlando Vale, recounted the devastating ordeal. “I last spoke to my daughter on December 21,” he said tearfully. “After that, she didn’t pick up my calls. Even on her birthday, Christmas Day, I called and texted her, but there was no response.”
A week later, Orlando received the shocking news from a friend of his daughter. “On December 28, her friend called me to say my child had passed away. They told me it was malaria,” he explained.
Primrose had traveled to Lagos for her birthday, accompanied by a friend whose identity remains unclear. According to her father, the young makeup artist had planned to return to South Africa after the New Year. Videos circulating online suggest she was hosted by a Nigerian man, though details about her stay and host remain vague.
In one of the videos, Primrose is seen enjoying herself on a luxury boat with the alleged host. Another clip shows her dancing and appearing carefree as the man, who claims to have met her during a previous visit to South Africa, interacts with her.
However, the situation took a grim turn when a video surfaced showing Primrose in what appeared to be a hospital bed, visibly unwell, with a drip attached to her arm.
The Nigerian man in the videos has since denied hosting Primrose during her trip, stating in social media posts that he only dined with her as a friend. “She was visiting someone else,” he claimed, though he provided no details about this mysterious individual.
As the Vale family grapples with the loss, their grief is compounded by the challenge of repatriating Primrose’s body. According to Orlando, South African authorities have estimated the cost of returning her remains at 50,000 rands (approximately 4 million naira).
“We are heartbroken that she is gone,” Orlando said. “We went to Home Affairs, but as a pensioner, I cannot afford that much money. I am pleading with South Africans to help us bring my daughter home so we can give her a proper burial.”
The family’s plea has resonated with some, while others on social media have questioned the circumstances surrounding her trip. Critics have asked why Primrose left behind her 10-year-old child and traveled to a foreign country without sharing details of her plans with her family.
Primrose’s death has sparked heated debates online, with many South Africans raising concerns about safety, accountability, and human trafficking. Some have pointed to the risks associated with traveling abroad without adequate preparation or informing loved ones about one’s whereabouts.
“Why would a mother leave her child and travel without telling her family where she’s staying?” one commenter asked. Others used the incident to warn young women about the dangers of traveling alone or falling prey to exploitative relationships.
Amid the speculation, the Vale family has chosen to focus on bringing Primrose home rather than engaging in the controversy. “We just want to see her body,” Orlando said, his voice breaking.
The exact cause of Primrose’s death remains uncertain. While her family was told she died of malaria, questions have been raised about the medical care she received and the circumstances leading up to her hospitalization.
Malaria is a prevalent disease in Nigeria, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among visitors unfamiliar with local health risks. Experts often advise travelers to take preventive measures, such as antimalarial medication and using insect repellent, when visiting malaria-endemic regions.
However, some have suggested that more sinister factors may have contributed to Primrose’s death. Her association with the Nigerian man seen in the videos and his subsequent denial of responsibility have fueled rumors and speculation.
For Orlando Vale, the tragedy is deeply personal. The retired pensioner, who described his daughter as “kind-hearted and hardworking,” said her death has left a void in the family.
“She worked as a makeup artist in Cape Town, always making people look beautiful,” he shared. “Now, we just want to bring her back home to rest in peace.”
Despite the outpouring of public sympathy and criticism, Orlando remains focused on his mission to reunite with his daughter, even in death.
As the Vale family awaits answers, their call for assistance has begun to garner attention. Fundraising efforts have been initiated, with South Africans rallying to support the grieving family.
Still, the case serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparation when traveling abroad. For many, Primrose’s story is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of staying connected to loved ones.
Primrose Vale’s untimely death has left her family, friends, and two nations in mourning. While her father continues to seek clarity and closure, her story underscores the importance of transparency, caution, and support when venturing into unfamiliar territory.
