RTI officer Timothy Simpson dies after state vehicle catches fire on N2 - IOL

KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officer Timothy Simpson.

KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officer Timothy Simpson has died in the line of duty after the state vehicle he was travelling in caught fire on the N2 freeway in Park Rynie on Tuesday night.

Simpson, described by colleagues and provincial authorities as a disciplined, dedicated and highly decorated officer, was reportedly alone in the vehicle when it became engulfed in flames at about 8pm.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma expressed his condolences to Simpson’s family and colleagues, describing the officer as a “hero”, a hard worker and a patriotic RTI official.

“We have assigned a team from Road Traffic Inspectorate to work with a highly specialised team from the South African Police Service as part of an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of our hero, a hard worker and a patriotic RTI officer from Park Rynie, Timothy Simpson,” Duma said.

“He died tragically when he burned to death inside the state-owned vehicle while on duty along the N2 freeway in Park Rynie. The car was entirely engulfed in flames around 8pm last night.”

Duma said investigators were examining forensic and mechanical evidence to determine what caused the vehicle to catch fire.

“A specialised team has been working flat out and combing through the forensic and mechanical evidence to uncover what triggered the ravaging fire,” he said.

The department also dispatched officials to meet Simpson’s family following the incident.

“We dispatched a team to meet with the family late last night as a sign of respect to the departed colleague who was respected for his discipline and dedication,” Duma said.

He added that the department’s senior leadership would meet with the RTI team in Park Rynie and visit the family.

“The Head of the Department Zibusizo Dlamini and senior management will today meet with the RTI Park Rynie Team and will also visit the family ahead of my own meeting with the Simpson family,” he said.

“I want to meet with the wife and the whole family during this difficult period.”

Duma said the department would work with the Simpson family to honour his service.

“Critically, as we move forward, we will work with the family to reflect on the life of our departed law enforcement officer who served this province and the country with distinction,” he said.

Sindi Msimang, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal RTI, told the Sunday Tribune that the organisation was struggling to come to terms with Simpson’s death.

“We need prayers right now, we are devastated about the passing of one of the best RTI officers. We are struggling to understand how this has happened,” Msimang said.

She said Simpson’s commitment to road safety had been evident throughout his career.

“All we can do is carry on his memory and continue to work to keep our roads safe for all drivers just as Tim had done during his great career. His dedication to the job was like no other, the job will not be the same without him,” she said.

Msimang described Simpson as an officer who approached his responsibilities with discipline and integrity.

“He undertook every task with such discipline and integrity, he made sure to execute each task with excellence. We will learn from him,” she said.

According to Msimang, Simpson was on duty and alone in the vehicle when it caught fire.

“He was on shift when his car caught fire, he was alone. He could not get out of his vehicle, when we got to the scene, we were beside ourselves,” she said.

She said the RTI was awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

“We hope to get answers soon on how this happened, we will wait for SAPS to investigate and give us answers,” Msimang said.

Tributes have also been paid to Simpson by fellow RTI officers.

Mbambo Ntandoyenkosi Bokza described Simpson's death as the loss of a colleague who died while carrying out his duties.

“Not only did you end your shift, but your life. Waking up to the sad news of the passing of Provincial Inspector Tim Simpson stationed at RTI Park Rynie,” Bokza said.

He referred to the isiZulu proverb “isosha lifela emsebenzini”, which means that a soldier dies in the army, saying it had taken on a painful significance following Simpson’s death.

“The proverb ‘isosha lifela emsebenzini’, meaning a soldier dies in an army, is not just a saying, you indeed died in the line of duty, a state car burnt beyond recognition,” Bokza said.

Bokza said the circumstances surrounding the incident had left a profound impression on colleagues.

“From the pictures, you just sense the aura and mood. I've never met you in person, but you can tell you were one of the colleagues who became ‘tymer’ and taught you the job,” he said.

He extended his condolences to Simpson’s colleagues and the RTI leadership in Park Rynie.

“Chief Provincial Inspector Philile Levis Shangase has lost a great soldier in her army in Park Rynie Station. Condolences to you and your staff. Rest in power officer,” Bokza said.