Many attended a memorial service for Kamesh Rohan at the Lillian Ngoyi Centre in Secunda on March 27. Rohan, who was the deputy director for the Planning and Economic Development Department at Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM), sustained critical burns to his entire body when his vehicle caught fire in a field along the R580 (old Winkelhak Road) in the late evening of March 22.

When the Ridge Times arrived on the scene, first-responder emergency services were stabilising Rohan at a distance from his vehicle. Burn shields and IV fluids were applied before he could be moved onto a stretcher. By the time media arrived, the vehicle fire had already been extinguished.

Netcare 911 ambulance services transported Rohan to Mediclinic Highveld Hospital in Trichardt. Due to bad weather, he could not be airlifted and was later transported by ambulance to a hospital in Alberton, where he was kept on life support. Rohan succumbed to his injuries on the morning of March 24.

Details surrounding the vehicle fire remain unclear, and Secunda SAPS could not provide further information. Originally from Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, Rohan was well known in the Secunda and municipal community. He had served GMM for over two decades.

“Rohan was more than just a colleague; he was a devoted public servant who served our community with immense pride and dedication,” said GMM spokesperson Donald Green. He described Rohan as a cornerstone of the municipality’s spatial planning and land-use management initiatives, playing a pivotal role in its sustainable development.

“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rohan was known for his kindness, integrity, and the mentorship he provided to his colleagues. His passing represents a significant loss not only to the department but to the entire Govan Mbeki community,” added Green.

The Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, the municipal manager, and the entire municipal leadership extended their deepest condolences to the Rohan family, his friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Messages of condolences have been streaming in on social media:
• Imraan Salajee: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Kamesh Rohan. He was a dear friend of mine, and this loss is truly felt. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Devisha Rohan, and family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. You will always be remembered and deeply missed, brother.”

• Ena Van Rooyen: “Such a shock to hear. I have fond memories working with him.”
Chantal, WMPG Property Group: “So sad to hear. It was Kamesh’s birthday last week, the last time I spoke to him. RIP Kamesh, and my deepest condolences to Devisha and the family.”

• Roshini Jagadis: “Our deepest condolences to the family. Kamesh Rohan was a wonderful person and a loss to GMM and the surrounding districts.”

• Hannes Griessel: “What a terrible loss. Kamesh, you will be greatly missed. You were not only a dear friend but also a remarkable contributor to the TEKS community. Your presence and impact will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to Devisha, the boys, and the entire family. May you find strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, my brother.”

• Boikie Malumane: “No, it’s impossible. How? That was a man I could ask anything anytime. My brother, rest in peace.”

Rohan leaves behind his wife, Devisha, three sons, and extended family. Details of his funeral were not known at the time of print.

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