SECUNDA – Capt Gerhard Elmes (49) died in the Mediclinic Highveld in Trichardt on Thursday night, 17 December.
His children, Reghard and Bernice, said their father visited a friend in the Western Cape last week.
Bernice wrote on her Facebook page that Capt Elmes returned from his vacation on 15 December, complaining that he was feeling ill.
Reghard took him to hospital that day.
Capt Elmes’ health rapidly deteriorated and he was admitted to the intensive care unit the next day.
According to the children, Capt Elmes tested positive for Covid-19.
Bernice wrote that they visited their father on Thursday.
“He was happy to see us and he cried when we had to leave. He was behind sealed off glass so nobody could come near him. I wish I could’ve hugged him one last time.”
She wrote that he struggled to breathe and that intubation was unsuccessful.
“His heart gave in and they tried for a whole hour to resuscitate him, but unfortunately they failed.
“The medical team told us that they had done everything they could but he was gone.”
Bernice said they will always remember their father as the funniest person in the room.
“My father was always more of a friend than a parent to my brother and I. When we were in trouble, we would seek his help. When we needed advice he was always one of the best givers.
“My father was a proud Christian and his heart was set on always doing what was right.
“He loved all three of his children equally and would do anything for us.”
Capt Elmes took pride in his work as a police officer, a vocation he embarked on 30 years ago on 27 December 1990.
His first post after Police College was Evander where he served the community for more than 16 years before being transferred to Kinross police station where he first worked as the head of the visible police unit and later promoted to station commander.
Capt Elmes moved over to the shift crews at Secunda police station about two years ago.
He was appointed as the Secunda police spokesman in the beginning of this year.
The funeral arrangements are not yet confirmed.
