Warrant Officer Jan Esterhuysen was killed on the night of Saturday 16 October 2021 while on duty at a roadblock at the four-way stop at the entrance to Khutsong. A 20-year-old driver had raced into the roadblock, hitting a stationary vehicle and WO Esterhuysen, who was controlling the traffic.
The suspect tried to flee the scene, but other police members managed to stop him. It was established that he was drunk.
Esterhuysen was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
He had been stationed at the Fochville Visible Policing Unit and boasted 27 years of loyal service.
Earlier today the SAPS’ headquarters tweeted:
#FinalSalute for WO JC Esterhuysen, for the oath you took, for your bravery to protect and serve, the #SAPS thanks you. In loving memory of a fallen hero, the SAPS found it fitting to engrave your name on the national #SAPSMemorial wall at the Union Buildings.
Esterhuysen was much loved in the community.
“WO Jan served the community for many years. You will be missed, Jan!” said Mr Jurgens Bence of the West Rand Emergency Medical Services after his death.
“He was a supportive commander, who was always a leader on the frontline. He was someone who would die for his people. He was known by all the components’ heads and, if he was given a task, he would do it to the best of his ability. I’m going to miss Oom Jan with his jokes, noise and shouting at everyone and sharing everything he is eating. The Fochville SAPS will never be the same without Oompie,” said the communication officer of the police in Fochville, Sgt Elsie Majola, who worked under Esterhuysen’s command since 2007.
