Traffic cop car in biker death crash
A COLLISION between a City of uMhlathuze traffic vehicle and a motorcycle claimed the life of a young man last Thursday, and left his stepfather fighting for his life.
Albert ‘Speedy’ Borcher (31) passed away at the scene, while Willem Herbst (48) sustained multiple injuries and only regained consciousness in hospital this week.
It is believed the accident occurred shortly after 6pm at the ZSM industrial area intersection with the R102, between Empangeni Rail and Canefields. While the post mortem has been conducted, results have not yet been released and police have opened a case of culpable homicide.
As the family mourns the loss of their loved one, they are also praying for a full recovery for Willem, who suffered a punctured lung, cracked pelvis, head injuries and trauma to a previous knee injury.
According to his sister, Rina Herbst, the family is still coming to terms with their loss as Speedy was the family’s eldest child and leaves behind his parents, 21-year-old brother and 11-year-old sister, who shared an ‘inseparable bond’ with him.
‘Speedy purchased the motorcycle a while ago so he and Willem would have permanent transport to commute to work in Empangeni.
‘They live on a farm along the R102 near the Enseleni Nature Reserve and this was their daily route to and from work. ‘My brother has made good progress in hospital this week, regained consciousness and is breathing on his own, but his pelvis could take a long time to heal,’ said Rina.
The funeral service for Speedy will take place today (Thursday) at 10am at the Old Apostolic Church in Empangeni. City of uMhlathuze spokesperson, Mdu Ncalane, confirmed the incident and that it was under investigation by SAPS, adding that the driver of the traffic vehicle was not injured.