Two Port Shepstone police officers died, and a third is reported to be in a critical condition in hospital, after a single vehicle accident occurred in Rethman Drive, Umtentweni on Monday morning last week.
For the men and women in blue, it was a dark day as they lost two colleagues, Constable Thola Nhlumayo (35) of Bhobhoyi and Constable Kerwyn Barth (27) of Merlewood.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said, “Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after two police officers were declared dead at an accident scene. A police vehicle reportedly crashed and two police officers succumbed to their injuries. A third officer was rushed to hospital for medical attention. The cause of the accident is yet to be established, said “Lt-Col Gwala.
Barth joined the police service in 2019.
His aunt, Rejoice Barth said family and friends are heartbroken. “He was engaged to Amanda Ndlovu and the couple has a beautiful baby boy, Matthew who is 18-months-old. He was to be married this year. Little Matthew was his pride and joy. How do we explain to his child that his dad is no more?”
She added that her nephew was a well-respected man in the community and they don’t know how to move forward from this horrific tragedy.
Barth’s funeral will be held next Saturday, February 11.
Constable Thola Nhlumayo served in the police service for about 12 years, and was the bread winner of her family.
Her sister Thando Mzobe said the family is devastated. “We have no words. She was certainly the special one in the family and she loved us all dearly, especially her two boys Samkelo (19) and Mlamleli (2). We will sorely miss her love and her smile that always greeted us.”
Nhlumayo is survived by her mother Thoko Evelyn Mzobe, her sisters and brothers.
Her funeral was held yesterday.
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