South Coast RTI officer and former Kokstad resident, Timothy Simpson died on the evening of 22 September when the state vehicle he was travelling in caught alight while he was on duty on the N2 freeway near Park Rynie.
According to the KZN Department of Transport, the vehicle was parked on the side of the freeway and engulfed in flames around 8pm. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has launched an investigation following the death of Mr Simpson, who he described as ‘the most disciplined, hardworking, decorated, and award-winning RTI Provincial Inspector’. He also expressed his deepest condolences to the family and colleagues.
“We have assigned a team from Road Traffic Inspectorate to work with a highly specialized team from the South African Police Service as part of an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of our hero, a hard worker and a patriotic RTI officer from Park Rynie, Timothy Simpson. He died tragically when he burned to death inside the state-owned vehicle while on duty along the N2 freeway in Park Rynie. A specialized team has been working flat out and combing through the forensic and mechanical evidence to uncover what triggered the ravaging fire,” said Duma.
He also said that he dispatched a team to meet with the family on the night of the incident. Duma along with the Head of the Department, Zibusizo Dlamini, and senior management also met with the family later in the week.
“Critically, as we move forward, we will work with the family to reflect on the life of our departed law enforcement officer who served this province and the country with distinction,” Duma concluded.
A remembrance ceremony took place over the weekend to honour Tim Simpson. A cross has also been erected at the site of the incident in his honour.
- RTI Officer, Tim Simpson.
- The remains of the vehicle in which Tim Simpson died.
