KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate officer Timothy Simpson has died in the line of duty after the state vehicle he was travelling in caught fire on the N2 freeway in Park Rynie on Tuesday night.
The vehicle was engulfed in flames at about 8pm while Simpson was on duty. He was reportedly alone inside the vehicle and was unable to escape.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, with a specialised team from the South African Police Service working alongside the RTI.
Investigators are examining forensic and mechanical evidence to establish what caused the vehicle to catch fire. The cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma described Simpson as a hard-working and patriotic officer and expressed his condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Simpson was also remembered by the RTI as a disciplined and dedicated officer who was committed to road safety.
The department has dispatched officials to support Simpson’s family, while senior management is expected to meet with the RTI team in Park Rynie.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is continuing.
