High-ranked EMPD officer electrocuted at Germiston substation

An EMPD officer was electrocuted and died at the Estera substation on Stark Road in Germiston on Tuesday.

Despite efforts to save the life of Roelof ‘Barries’ Barnard, he was declared dead on the scene. He was a chief superintendent at the Germiston North precinct.

Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services were called to the scene at around 9.30am.

“When the ambulance personnel arrived on scene, they found the EMPD officer,” explained William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for DEMS.

“The officer did not respond to initial treatment.

“Backup and the EMPD were called to the scene so further assessment could be carried out on the patient.

“During this time, metro electrical technicians also arrived at the substation to isolate the power so necessary in-depth medical treatment could be performed.”

Ntladi explained that reports from the scene alleged that a contractor, contracted by the metro, had been at the substation to work on it. “The officer allegedly saw the contractor on site and went to see what he was doing,” said Ntladi.

“While speaking to the contractor, the officer allegedly began to show him where the substation was being vandalised. “This is when he was allegedly electrocuted.”

EMPD, who were on scene, handed over the scene to the Elsburg police for further investigation and an inquest docket has been opened.