FOLLOW-UP: EMPD officer denies instructing partner to clean accident scene

Following the article ‘Partner instructed to clean accident scene’ in the Benoni City Times (September 30), the media liaison officer for the EMPD Kelebogile Thapa denies that any member of the public will be required to clean an accident scene.

It was reported that Janse van Rensburg was allegedly dragged under the wheel of a double-link truck, transporting bricks, as it turned at the intersection of Oak and Hanekom streets in Northmead, on September 1.

The 72-year-old Cloverdene resident suffered severe injuries to her arm, which resulted in the limb being amputated. She later died as a result of her injuries.

“The responding officer denies that an instruction of this nature was given to any of the deceased’s next of kin,” said Thapa.

“No one is compelled to clean an accident scene, whether blood or debris. We normally request the fire department to either sweep or wash the blood away using their hose reels or brooms.”

On the eve of Mavis Janse van Rensburg’s memorial service, which was held on October 1 at the Afrikaanse Baptiste Church in Atlasville, her partner Robin Willemse was distraught by the EMPD’s comments.

“Everyone heard the officer tell me to clean the scene,” he said.

“They are making me out to be a liar. Residents brought me water and another gave me a spade to throw sand over patches where the blood would not wash away. Not only did I lose my partner, but I am also still haunted by the images of the blood on the road.”

Thapa did confirm that a case of reckless and negligent driving was initially registered with the Benoni Police Station but will be changed to a case of culpable homicide, following the death of Janse van Rensburg.

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