Fox Security is mourning the loss of 56-year-old officer Willem Bosch, who died on the night of September 3 after suffering severe injuries in a crash in Dinwiddie, Germiston, on August 15.

Bosch was one of three Fox Security officers involved in the early-morning collision at the intersection of Black Reef Road and Hartfield Avenue.

His death has left colleagues and members of the community remembering him as a dedicated security officer, mentor and ‘true gentleman’ who always went the extra mile for others.

Colleague Mark Heder described Bosch as a kind person who was always willing to listen to people’s problems, offer advice and act as a father figure.

“He was there for everybody. He always went the extra mile.”

“He was always friendly, always smiling, always had something nice to say. He was just an all-round nice person.”

Decades in security industry

Although Bosch had been with Fox Security for about three years, his career in the security industry stretched back decades.

Donovan du Toit, operations manager of Fox Security, said he had known Bosch from his days working in Vereeniging, where Bosch had worked for his father-in-law’s UNS radio alarms.

Du Toit estimated that Bosch had spent about 30 years in the security industry.

“He loved his job. He loved people. He didn’t want to do anything else,” Heder said.

Despite having undergone a knee replacement and experiencing difficulties with his leg, Bosch refused to allow his condition to prevent him from doing his job.

Heder said Bosch would push himself to ensure that his work was completed properly.

Affectionately known as ‘John Wayne’

Among his colleagues, Bosch was affectionately known as ‘John Wayne’.

The nickname came from the way he carried and wore his firearm, which colleagues felt gave him the appearance of a cowboy.

But beyond the nickname, it was Bosch’s experience and willingness to share his knowledge that made him stand out.

Du Toit said Bosch had become a mentor to younger security officers because of his years of experience.
“He had been around the block,” Du Toit said, explaining that Bosch had spent most of his working life in security and dedicated himself to the industry.

His experience, Du Toit said, could not simply be replaced.

Community stalwart remembered

Bosch’s impact extended beyond his colleagues.

According to Fox Security, he developed strong relationships with residents and clients, many of whom regularly praised his approach to his work.

At Alberton Retirement Village, residents would reportedly contact the company to compliment Bosch on his service and friendly nature.

Even tasks that were physically difficult after his knee replacement did not stop him from assisting clients.

Heder recalled that going up and down checking an electric fence at the village was quite a job for Bosch, but he continued doing the work and was commended for his efforts.

Details of collision

The collision occurred shortly after 03:07 on August 15 at Black Reef Road and Hartfield Avenue in Dinwiddie.

Bosch was driving the Fox Security vehicle, with Leon Kruger seated in the front passenger seat and Esme Verrier in the rear.

According to the initial information provided to the Alberton Record, a silver Volkswagen Polo allegedly skipped a red traffic light and collided with the Fox Security vehicle travelling along Hartfield Avenue.

The security vehicle was struck on its right-hand side, near the front wheel area.

Dashcam footage appeared to show the Fox Security vehicle travelling through a green traffic light.

Bosch suffered severe injuries and had his left leg amputated. Verrier suffered a cracked vertebra, neck injuries, brain swelling and a collapsed lung.

Kruger was not seriously injured but received trauma counselling.

A case of reckless and negligent driving was opened at Germiston SAPS under case number 424/8/2026, with the circumstances of the collision under investigation.

Delays in police investigation

Fox Security said it remained concerned about the progress of the investigation following the crash.

The company said it took about a week to receive the Germiston SAPS case number and that further delays followed before contact was made with the investigating officer.

The company also raised concerns about the handling of blood tests following the collision.

Du Toit said this meant the driver of the Volkswagen Polo now only faces a reckless and negligent driving charge.

Fox Security has also assisted the investigating detective with J88 medical forms relating to the three people involved.

Two J88 forms had reportedly been completed by Netcare Alberton, while Bosch’s form remained outstanding for more than a week.

The company took the necessary forms to the hospital to assist with the process but said it could not collect the completed documentation because it was not their job.

According to Fox Security, the detective advised that once the outstanding J88 forms had been collected, the docket would be submitted to a prosecutor, who would determine how the case proceeds.

‘There is a big gap now’

For those who worked alongside Bosch, his death represents more than the loss of a colleague.
Du Toit said there is now a big gap in the community because Bosch had been a stalwart within the company and the areas he served.

Bosch’s colleagues said his legacy would be remembered through the people he helped, the younger officers he mentored and the residents who knew him as someone they could approach.

“He was the nice guy that you could always go to and have a chat,” Heder said.

For Fox Security, Bosch will be remembered not only for his years of service, but for the kindness, dedication and willingness to help others that defined his time in the industry.

WATCH: 3 Fox Security officers injured in Dinwiddie crash