Cape Town - One of the prison warders killed in a horrific crash near Swellendam on the N2, which left eight warders dead, had a feeling that he would not be alive for much longer.
Neville Jansen’s wife, Lydia, told the Cape Argus on Tuesday that when the couple spoke on Sunday her husband said he had an eerie feeling.
“The last time I saw him was on Monday night, and when we spoke on Sunday he told me that he had a feeling that he would not live long,” Lydia said.
Jansen’s brother Jan said his brother lived for his job and that he would be sorely missed.
“When I got the news I organised to leave work in Montagu early. I cried in the car because I knew I had to be strong for everyone else at home.”
He said he was grateful to the emergency personnel that responded to the scene as well as the Department of Correctional Services for all their help.
The eight prison warders who were based at the Buffelsjagsrivier Correctional Centre were killed when a truck collided with their minibus after 7am while they were travelling to work.
Preliminary reports indicated that the accident occurred when a bakkie was signalling to turn right, on to a dirt road, and a truck came from behind the bakkie and was involved in a collision with the taxi that was moving in the opposite direction.
Prison staff at the correctional centre were sent home and additional staff from correctional centres in Paarl, Worcester, Helderstroom and Pollsmoor were called in to assist at the facility.
A warden who was brought in from Worcester said some of the inmates took the news just as badly as the staff.
“This is a very small facility and the inmates had some close relationships with them.
“I also knew some of them and it is difficult to lose so many members simultaneously,” said the official, who wished to stay anonymous.
He said that they would be helping with shifts at the facility and expected to do so until Sunday.
Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant, was one of the many politicians who offered their condolences.
“We will assist the SAPS in their investigation, and will continue to work tirelessly, in partnership with the citizens of this province, to make our roads safer. Deaths on our roads are not only tragic and unfortunate, but are entirely avoidable through responsible road use.”
Cope spokesman Dennis Bloem said his party was saddened by the incident.
“Cope views these accidents in a very serious light.
“When people lose their lives, going to or coming from work, it must seriously concern every one of us. Families take a severe toll when such accidents occur. In fact families are shattered. We feel the devastation that the grieving families feel. It touches us very closely.”
Police spokeswoman Captain Bernadine Steyn said a case of culpable homicide would be investigated.
The Department of Correctional Services said it would release the names of the other warders who died at a briefing.
Cape Argus