The deaths of a couple have sent shockwaves through the Barberton community after a collision on the R38 between Barberton and Badplaas on October 24.

Gerhard Botha (41) worked at S&J Tow-in Services and was called out to tow a vehicle at another accident scene on the same road. His wife Elisna (39) accompanied him in his work vehicle, a Nissan Navara.

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They towed a bakkie and on their way home they collided with a Toyota Fortuner that was travelling towards Badplaas. Gerhard died instantly and Elisna was trapped in the vehicle.

iSecure EMS responded to the scene and, together with the fire department emergency responders, used the Jaws of Life to try to free her. She, however, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

iSecure EMS director Dewald Strydom confirmed that the five occupants of the Fortuner were transported to hospital.

Family mourns devoted parents

The couple leave behind their 12-year-old son, Handré. Speaking on behalf of the family, Elisna’s sister Melinda Thirion confirmed that Handré knows what happened to his parents but has not fully processed it yet.

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She and her fiancé Theuns Naudé rushed to the scene together, and Thirion stayed with her sister until she exhaled her last breath.

Elisna and her sister managed an aftercare centre together. Thirion said that the couple met at Kameeldoring Butchery because Gerhard always used to buy meat there for his best friend. They married on September 7, 2013, and had Handré a year later. They tragically lost their second child, Juwandré, in August last year, six days after his birth.

Heartfelt messages honour devoted pair

Tributes for the couple have poured in on social media.

Thirion wrote on Facebook: “The two most beautiful people have been suddenly taken from our lives. There are so many questions, and it all feels so unreal. To my youngest brother-in-law, with the most beautiful heart, I will miss you and sister, I will always cherish your gap-toothed smile. Your counsel, advice, and grumbling will be terribly missed. The two of you were always inseparable, and the Lord has taken you both together – because the two of you were always better together.”

Tarien Kleingeld said: “I am going to miss her so much. The witty remarks, the laughter, the curls, the advice she could give on just about anything.”

Gerhard’s best friend Japie de Jongh (56), who was also his colleague for more than a decade, said:

“We finished each other’s sentences. He had a big heart and had a passion to give back to the community. My heart is sore, but I will always cherish our friendship.”

Gerhard and Elisna will be laid to rest on October 31 at 11:00 at FGC Crossgeneration in Barberton.

The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison’s response on the ongoing investigation into the crash was not received by the time of publication.