Barnard family left reeling after tragic death
Family, friends and the community mourn the untimely death of Chief Supt Roelof ‘Barries’ Barnard.
Selfless – this is the word used most often to describe Chief Supt Roelof ‘Barries’ Barnard.
Roelof, who had served in the EMPD for 40 years, died tragically last Tuesday after he was electrocuted at a substation in Stark Road, Estera, while on duty.
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For his family, friends and the community at large all they can do now is try to come to terms with the gap his death has left in many people’s lives and hearts.
Family member Theresa Johansen, who lives on Roelof’s property, explained her and her husband, Piet, were called to the scene first, as the contractor who was with him at the time of the electrocution knew where he lived.
Theresa was shocked that something like this had happened to Roelof.
“He was such a cautious and careful man,” she said.
“He would never tamper with something carelessly, he wouldn’t even deal with his own home’s electrical issues or his own vehicle problems, he would call out a professional.”
She was soon joined on the scene by close family friend Quinnette Graaff (from ECR), who had called for a private ambulance before racing to the scene.
“I took the risk and checked his vital signs, but could not find a pulse,” Quinnette said.
“I felt I had to take the risk and give feedback to the emergency personnel on site.
“Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) personnel soon arrived on the scene too.”
William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for DEMS, explained, “When the ambulance personnel arrived on scene they found the EMPD officer lying on the ground.
“The officer did not respond to initial treatment.
“Backup and the EMPD were called to the scene so further assessment could be carried out on the patient.
“During this time, metro electrical technicians also arrived at the substation to isolate the power so necessary in-depth medical treatment could be performed.”
Unfortunately, Roelof, who was a chief superintendent for the Germiston North precinct, was declared dead on scene.
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Theresa said family and friends were asked to keep their distance while initial treatment was being carried out as there was a risk the electric current was still live.
However, this didn’t stop Roelof’s wife, Janine, from rushing to her husband’s side as soon as she arrived on the scene.
“I went and sat next to him and spoke to him,” Janine said emotionally when the GCN met with his family and friends to find out more about Barnard, who was affectionately known as Barries.
She was later moved away from him for her safety.
“We have been complaining about this substation for a long time,” said Janine.
“It is forever broken open and is a risk to children in the community.”
Janine describes her husband as a family man, who loved spending time with his children, Jonathan (4), Bernice (10) and Jani-Lee (20).
He was an enthusiastic sportsman who played and refereed ringball and was full of life and dedicated to his job and the community – who loved and respected him.
“He was always looking out for others and always put others before himself,” Janine said.
“No matter how dangerous the situation, he would even risk his life for others.
“He was always called to go and help and he never hesitated to go.
“I think that is what happened, he was looking out for the community when he was electrocuted and just didn’t know what was behind the door.”
Quinnette added, “Even if he couldn’t help people himself, he was always willing to listen.”
When Roelof wasn’t working, he loved to entertain friends and family at home.
“We would plan a braai with a few people and you look again and there are 50.
“That was just how he was – he loved to spend time with his family and friends, who he considered family.
“We didn’t go out much, instead we preferred to entertain from our home, our safe space, his comfort zone,” said Janine.
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Janine also explained that the family loved to go camping and fishing and remembered how every Friday night she would have to cover her ears for an hour as he listened to boeremusiek on the radio.
“Every Friday night without fail we’d all come together and he’d put on the radio so we could listen to the boeremusiek,” said Janine.
Many question have been raised whether his death could have been avoided.
Roelof’s family want to make it clear that he was not tampering with something he shouldn’t have.
“Why would he do something so irresponsible knowing he has a wife and children who depend on him at home,” said Janine.
Roelof was instead called to the scene to investigate – something the metro confirms.
“It is reported that while on duty, Roelof received a call about suspicious-looking people attempting to open a substation and he responded,” said Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro.
“He found employees from a private contractor carrying out maintenance work on the substation.
“It is alleged he spotted a hole in the door of the substation and as he pointed it out he was electrocuted.”
When asked if safety procedures were followed on site, Gadebe commented that this question forms part of the ongoing investigation.
The Elsburg police confirmed they have opened an inquest docket following the electrocution.
The family got a glimpse of the impact Roelof had on the community when residents filled Stark Road last Tuesday night to honour his memory.
“I can see he made a change in the community,” said Janine.
“More of a change then I realised.”
Quinnette added, “He had such an impact on so many people’s lives, not as a law enforcer but as a friend.
“I didn’t think so many people would come out to pay their respects.
“The support from the community has been overwhelming.”
Though the family is overwhelmed and grateful for the support they have received, it doesn’t take away their pain.
“I just want my husband back,” Janine said tearfully.
“Morning coffee will never be the same again,” said Quinnette.
“He came to the BP in Lambton every morning to touch base with everyone and enjoy a cappuccino with three sugars.”
A memorial service was held for Roelof on Friday at the Germiston City Hall, while a private service funeral was held on Monday at the Word and Life Church in Sunward Park, Boksburg.
Moving forward the family does really not know what will happen.
“We will take it day by day, especially with the little ones.
“Bernice and Jonathan were very close to their father,” said Janine.
“My daddy was a hero,” said Bernice.
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