Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The off-duty police officer who died in a motorcycle accident on the R102 near Great Brak River at about 14:00 yesterday, 9 September, has been identified as Warrant Officer Gerrit Maritz (48) of the KwaNonqaba Police Station.
The Southern Cape Police’s spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies, told Mossel Bay Advertiser yesterday that the motorcycle Maritz was riding had collided with a Toyota Hilux.
Emergency medical services declared him dead on the scene. The bakkie’s occupants were not injured during the collision.
Spies said the Great Brak River Police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
Maritz had been the designated liquor officer at the KwaNonqaba Police Station’s Firearm, Liquor and Second-hand Goods (Flash) offices. Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, the station’s spokesperson, said Maritz had been based in KwaNonqaba since 2022, but had been a police officer for 25 years.
In 2020, Maritz was awarded his 20-year service medal.
He would have celebrated his birthday next month, on 23 October.
Warrant Officer Gerrit Maritz (48) at the KwaNonqaba Police Station. Photo: Supplied
Maritz’s father, Edmund, said he and his wife, Loraine, had made plans to travel from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, where Gerrit grew up, to Mossel Bay for his birthday.
“Gerrit got along with everyone,” said Edmund. “His friends, his family and his colleagues - he was loved by all. He was like sunshine wherever he went, and he would always leave one with a smile on their face.”
Edmund said Gerrit had wanted to be a police officer since he was a little boy. He loved music and had, on several occasions, sung karaoke with Gereldine, his oldest daughter.
“He was artistic, too. He made me a model sailboat with his own hands for my birthday one year,” Edmund said.
Kapp said Gerrit was a team player and was very dedicated to his office.
A devotion ceremony was held for Martitz at the KwaNonqaba Police Station on Wednesday morning, 10 September. Photo: Supplied
“He was a private man who loved his motorcycle and loved his freedom. He was soft-spoken and was well respected by his colleagues and the community he served. He had a good sense of humour and was always there for his colleagues when they needed help,” he said.
Vuyo Seyikwana, a colleague of Gerrit’s based in the Flash offices, said Gerrit was not just a valued team member, but also a kind and dependable presence in the office.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. His memory will live on in the lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind in our service,” he said.
Kapp said several members of the station and the police chaplain for the greater Mossel Bay area, Captain Rosetta Bhana, had gathered on the grounds this morning, 10 September, to pay tribute to Maritz and honour his memory.
“Bhana spoke about life being short, forgiveness, not judging others too quickly and to be merciful to others,” said Kapp.
“The message was one of unity. It takes a very special officer to have lasted as long as Maritz did in this organisation.”
A memorial will be held for Gerrit at the KwaNonqaba Community Hall next Tuesday, 16 September.
Previous article: Motorfietsongeluk naby Groot-Brak eis polisieman se lewe
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
