CPS Security officer dies in Alberton North crash
A security officer has died after an alleged drunk driver ran a red light in Alberton North.
A sombre cloud hangs over the Van Vuuren family after the death of CPS Security officer Ryno van Vuuren, who lost his life in a fatal car crash involving a suspected drunk driver while on duty.
The incident unfolded at a busy intersection in Alberton North, where Ryno was patrolling in a marked CPS vehicle on May 3 at about 23:30.
According to the director of CPS Security, Tyrone van der Merwe, a car driven by a Zimbabwean national allegedly ran a red light at high speed before crashing into the officer’s vehicle. The impact was devastating and fatal.
A Fidelity ADT vehicle was also involved in the crash. Its driver sustained injuries, was taken to a nearby hospital and discharged on May 6.
Van der Merwe said the driver and passenger of the suspect’s vehicle appeared intoxicated and fled the scene immediately after the crash, abandoning the wreckage.
“The Alberton SAPS, in collaboration with CPS Security, quickly launched a joint manhunt. The suspected driver was apprehended shortly afterwards and faces multiple charges, including culpable homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol and defeating the ends of justice,” Van der Merwe explained.
He expressed sorrow over the incident, describing Ryno as a dedicated and valued team member.
The company extended condolences to Ryno’s family, colleagues and fiancée, pledging their full support during this time.
Family grieves loss of devoted officer
The victim’s fiancée, Brittany Sargeant, shared her grief.
“The moment I received the horrific news about Ryno was the worst pain I have ever felt. It felt as if my soul was ripped from my body and my heart shredded into a million pieces. There are no words that can describe my pain,” she said.
Ryno’s brothers, Hannes and Jacques described him as a gentle giant and the family’s pillar of strength after their father died.
“He loved his Ryno braais, our nightly chats and spoiling the children in the family. He was always there, no matter what. His absence is a shadow we will carry forever,” they expressed.
The hidden cost of drinking and driving
This incident underscores the irreversible consequences of drunk driving. It endangers the offenders and takes innocent lives, leaving lifelong trauma in its wake.
The key risks include slowed reaction times and impaired judgement, reckless driving behaviour like running a red light and emotional and legal consequences for the victims’ families and the offenders.
“This transforms a tragic accident into a preventable crime. Justice must reflect the enormous loss caused. He was a great man taken unfairly,” said Sargeant.
Calls for change
The grieving family urges the public and authorities to take a firm stand against impaired driving.
“Drunk driving is the most selfish thing someone can do. Please, never get behind the wheel intoxicated,” Sargeant pleaded.
Ryno’s mother, Joyce, said they hoped this tragedy would spark real change, stricter laws, more checkpoints and education.
“Let his sacrifice not be in vain,” Joyce said.
Ryno will be laid to rest on May 16 at 15:00, with the service at Hoërskool Dinamika.
“We appreciate the outpouring of support and will share the funeral details with the community once confirmed. Please keep our family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” Hannes and Jacques said.
