'Heartbreaking' funeral for crash victim police couple
siyabonga sesant
The funeral service of a husband and wife who were both police sergeants at the Robertson police station, had been one of the most heartbreaking she had ever witnessed, police spokeswoman Cynthia Ndabeni said on Saturday.
Police sergeants Ashley October, 37, and his wife, Beverley, 35, died a week ago after their car was flung off a bridge on the R60 outside Worcester.
According to police, the car had collided head-on with another vehicle and went down an embankment before landing into a river under the bridge.
Ndabeni, who attended the joint funeral on Saturday, said the couple have two sons aged 11 and 15 who were not with their parents at time of the fatal collision.
She said: “Their children are devastated and looked so lost (at the funeral). It’s really such a tragedy.”
Western Cape police spokeswoman brigadier Novela Potelwa said: “It is so unfortunate that this had to happen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this time, but especially with the two boys. We have been, and we will continue to lend support to the boys and the families.”
“You think about the children when tragedies like these happen,” Potelwa added.
Ndabeni said an investigation into what happened is ongoing.
“We do expect some answers from the police in Worcester next week because they are investigating the matter. They have promised they would have feedback for the families.”
The driver of the other car which crashed in the Octobers’ vehicle survived the incident, while a passenger was killed.
Ndabeni said the couple’s death had shocked the community with many people attending the funeral on Saturday to pay their last respects.
“There were a lot of people, some had to stand as there were not enough seats available.
“Ashley and Beverley were loved by many and they will be missed,” Ndabeni said.
Weekend Argus