Tribute to fallen Amanzimtoti officer
I am so grateful to Metro Police for their support and this meaningful gesture.
Fallen Metro Police officer, Johan Deysel, who died in January after he was struck by a taxi on Arbour Road, was honoured by his colleagues in a moving ceremony on Friday, 11 October, exactly nine months after that fateful night.
The 22-year-old taxi driver was arrested at the scene. The case has been postponed seven times and his next date to appear before the Durban Court was on Thursday, 24 October.
A plaque was erected at the scene where he lost his life and his colleagues presented his widow with a huge engraved memorial mirror, before the delegation returned to the Isipingo offices, where his Isipingo regeneration teammates planted a tree on the grounds in his honour.
“Rina approached us with a request to erect a plaque, which we agreed to,” said Metro Police commander for the southern areas, Supt Hennie Nell. Johan’s former commander Capt Emmanuel Ntshaba and his team then suggested the memorabilia mirror.
READ ALSO: Metro Police officer killed while trying to stop taxi in Amanzimtoti
On the mirror is written, “Albert Johannes Deysel – your life was a blessing, your memory was a treasure, you are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure. Gone but not forgotten – ever remembered. Metro Police Family: Isipingo”
Peter Roberts of the Isipingo Enforcement Team, who worked closely with Johan during the recent regeneration of the suburb, wanted to show their support and thought the best way to do that would be to plant a tree in his honour.
“We decided on a forest mohogany (trichilia emetica), which is evergreen, strong and grows straight, branching out into a strong canopy which offers shade to passers-by. This tree symbolises Johan’s nature – strong and always there to assist whenever asked.”
Nell opened the memorial with a few words, before handing over to Ntshaba. While the plaque was being erected by Roberts and Metro officers, the remaining officers broke into song to say a final farewell to their beloved fellow officer.
A tearful Rina said it has been a tough nine months for her and her two-year-old daughter Johanè. Johan was to turn 60 on 19 February and exactly a week later was his daughter’s second birthday. “I am so grateful to Metro Police for their support and this meaningful gesture. It has been such a difficult time for us. Memories, like going to the offices when I used to sometimes fetch Johan from work, are painful.
READ ALSO: Durban Metro Police form circle of honour for fallen colleague in Amanzimtoti
“On the 11th of every month I returned to the scene to put down flowers. I often get sudden memories of something that reminds me of him. It has not been easy. I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for my little girl. I have to look after her and build a future for her.”
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