Douglasdale CPF call upon JRA to repair 3rd Road bridge after body of missing woman is found in river
CHARTWELL- The Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) called upon the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to urgently improve the barriers and safety on the 3rd Road bridge in Chartwell after the tragic passing of 55-year-old, Linda Bassingthwaighte who was swept away by a flash flood on 17 March while she was attempting to cross over.
Rescue teams only managed to recover the body of Bassingthwaighte on 23 March. Her body was found 10km north of Fourways where the two Jukskei rivers meet between HeronBridge College and Lanseria in Nietgedacht. Chairperson of the Douglasdale CPF, Jean Berdou, explained that due to the dry weather the water levels had dropped, which made the task of rescue and search teams easier to locate Bassingthwaighte’s body.
He added that the family had been notified immediately and identification of her body was made. “The family has asked for privacy during this time and we ask if you could keep them in your prayers,” said Berdou.
The devastated family applauded the courageous efforts of the various rescue teams and the police services who have worked tirelessly to find Bassingthwaighte.
The deceased’s daughter, Donna Palinhos, speaking on behalf of the family said, “At a time like this one will realise just how amazing the community has been. There are so many special people out there willing to lend a helping hand.
“I would also like to thank our precious family and friends, to everyone who loves my mother, thank you for being with us every day, for helping us search, for keeping us all in your prayers. May our beloved mother finally rest in peace.”
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She added that the family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who assisted them, specifically the Police Water Wing and K9 Search and Rescue, City of Joburg EMS, Off Road Rescue Unit, Mountain Club of South Africa and NSRI volunteers.
The family have also received incredible support from the local Chartwell and Farmall communities and the Douglasdale CPF.
“A special thank you to Mark McClue and his friends who have been on the river every single day. HeronBridge College not only let us use their school grounds as a base but they also provided us with beverages,” said Palinhos.
Fourways Review is awaiting comment from JRA.
Details: 011 699 1300.
