A well-known lawyer from Worcester lost his life in a major accident with a loaded truck on the N1 outside the Boland town on Tuesday.
Also read: Truck collision with car on N1 outside Worcester, one fatality
It has been reported that Johan Botes’ death was a result of suicide, but this has not been confirmed.
According to warrant officer Vathiswa Jacobs, spokesperson for the Worcester SAPS, eyewitnesses described the truck, which was loaded with glass bottles, as driving in his lane in the direction of Worcester when Botes’ white Hyundai, which was travelling in the direction of Rawsonville, suddenly swerved into the oncoming lane and hit the truck head-on. The incident occurred just past the petrol stations outside Worcester.
The Worcester Standard reports that an ambulance, which happened to be travelling on the same road, stopped to assess the situation and informed emergency services and the local police. It is reported that the driver of the truck sustained minor injuries, and his passenger was not injured.
Following the accident, the N1 was closed, and commuters had to make use of a detour via Rawsonville. Traffic was opened again after 5pm after the debris was cleared. A case of manslaughter has been opened.
In a letter sent to the Worcester Standard, Botes’ colleagues, at Johan Botes Prokureurs, described him as a man of few words, hardworking and absolutely dedicated to his clients. ‘He was legendary in his own time. His care for people and love for his family will live on. His sudden passing is a great shock, and is mourned by his family, clients, colleagues and personnel.’
Our sincerest condolences go to the loved ones of the deceased.
Below is a list of mental health resources and emergency helplines:
The South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH)
011 781 1852 | [email protected]
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group:
Suicide Crisis Helpline
0800 567 567
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Drunk driving and motor vehicle accidents on the increase in Cape Town
Picture: Ismail’s Towing