JEFFREYS BAY – The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, is deeply saddened by the horrific passing of a female traffic officer, Bertha Beaulah Van Vuuren Fortuin, on the N2 near Jeffreys Bay on 27 April.

The tragedy occurred after Van Vuuren Fortuin tragically lost her life following a head-on collision between a state vehicle she was driving and a long-distance bus.

As previously reported, it is alleged that Van Vuuren Fortuin was travelling back to her station after responding to an earlier accident scene when the crash occurred.

She was declared dead at the scene. All occupants of the bus escaped unharmed.

Nqatha regards her tragic passing not only as a loss to the family, but also to the department and all law enforcement agencies in the province.

“The tragic passing of Van Vuuren Fortuin is a huge blow to the province’s attempts to improve road safety and reduce fatalities on our roads,” said Nqatha.

“On behalf of the Department of Transport, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, friends and colleagues of the late officer.”

A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Jeffreys Bay Police Station for further investigation.

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