{"id":205132,"date":"2019-05-22T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-22T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/205132\/barnard-family-left-reeling-after-tragic-death\/"},"modified":"2019-05-22T14:16:13","modified_gmt":"2019-05-22T12:16:13","slug":"barnard-family-left-reeling-after-tragic-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/05\/22\/barnard-family-left-reeling-after-tragic-death\/","title":{"rendered":"Barnard family left reeling after tragic death"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Selfless \u2013 this is the word used most often to describe Chief Supt Roelof \u2018Barries\u2019 Barnard.<\/p>\n<p>Roelof, who had served in the EMPD for 40 years, died tragically last Tuesday after he was electrocuted at a substation in Stark Road, Estera, while on duty.<\/p><div class=\"stream-item stream-item-in-post stream-item-inline-post aligncenter\"><\/div>\n<h4>RELATED ARTICLE:\u00a0<a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/204760\/breaking-news-high-ranked-empd-officer-dies-tragic-electrocution\/\" target=\"_blank\">Breaking News: High-ranked EMPD officer dies in tragic electrocution<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>For his family, friends and the community at large all they can do now is try to come to terms with the gap his death has left in many people\u2019s lives and hearts.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_205136\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-205136\" style=\"width: 520px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-205136\" src=\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_70759-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_70759-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_70759-270x203.jpg 270w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_70759-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_70759.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-205136\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chief Supt Roelof \u2018Barries\u2019 Barnard always aimed to make a positive impact on the community. Here he visits a local school to talk to the young learners.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Family member Theresa Johansen, who lives on Roelof\u2019s property, explained her and her husband, Piet, were called to the scene first, as the contractor who was with him at the time of the electrocution knew where he lived.<\/p><div class=\"stream-item stream-item-in-post stream-item-inline-post aligncenter\"><\/div>\n<p>Theresa was shocked that something like this had happened to Roelof.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was such a cautious and careful man,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe would never tamper with something carelessly, he wouldn\u2019t even deal with his own home\u2019s electrical issues or his own vehicle problems, he would call out a professional.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She was soon joined on the scene by close family friend Quinnette Graaff (from ECR), who had called for a private ambulance before racing to the scene.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI took the risk and checked his vital signs, but could not find a pulse,\u201d Quinnette said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI felt I had to take the risk and give feedback to the emergency personnel on site.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEkurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) personnel soon arrived on the scene too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for DEMS, explained, \u201cWhen the ambulance personnel arrived on scene they found the EMPD officer lying on the ground.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe officer did not respond to initial treatment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBackup and the EMPD were called to the scene so further assessment could be carried out on the patient.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDuring this time, metro electrical technicians also arrived at the substation to isolate the power so necessary in-depth medical treatment could be performed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, Roelof, who was a chief superintendent for the Germiston North precinct, was declared dead on scene.<\/p>\n<h4>ALSO READ:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/204846\/investigation-into-the-tragic-electrocution-of-an-empd-officer-launched-says-metro\/\" target=\"_blank\">Investigation into the tragic electrocution of an EMPD officer launched \u2013 says metro<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>Theresa said family and friends were asked to keep their distance while initial treatment was being carried out as there was a risk the electric current was still live.<\/p>\n<p>However, this didn\u2019t stop Roelof\u2019s wife, Janine, from rushing to her husband\u2019s side as soon as she arrived on the scene.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI went and sat next to him and spoke to him,\u201d Janine said emotionally when the GCN met with his family and friends to find out more about Barnard, who was affectionately known as Barries.<\/p>\n<p>She was later moved away from him for her safety.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have been complaining about this substation for a long time,\u201d said Janine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is forever broken open and is a risk to children in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Janine describes her husband as a family man, who loved spending time with his children, Jonathan (4), Bernice (10) and Jani-Lee (20).<\/p>\n<p>He was an enthusiastic sportsman who played and refereed ringball and was full of life and dedicated to his job and the community &#8211; who loved and respected him.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_205133\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-205133\" style=\"width: 520px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-205133\" src=\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_82168-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_82168-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_82168-270x203.jpg 270w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_82168-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_82168.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-205133\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chief Supt Roelof \u2018Barries\u2019 Barnard, who was a chief superintendent for the Germiston North precinct, served in the EMPD for 40 years before his death last Tuesday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cHe was always looking out for others and always put others before himself,\u201d Janine said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo matter how dangerous the situation, he would even risk his life for others.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was always called to go and help and he never hesitated to go.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think that is what happened, he was looking out for the community when he was electrocuted and just didn\u2019t know what was behind the door.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Quinnette added, \u201cEven if he couldn\u2019t help people himself, he was always willing to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When Roelof wasn\u2019t working, he loved to entertain friends and family at home.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe would plan a braai with a few people and you look again and there are 50.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was just how he was \u2013 he loved to spend time with his family and friends, who he considered family.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe didn\u2019t go out much, instead we preferred to entertain from our home, our safe space, his comfort zone,\u201d said Janine.<\/p>\n<h4>ALSO READ:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/204331\/power-woes-continue-for-germiston-residents\/\" target=\"_blank\">Power woes continue for Germiston residents<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>Janine also explained that the family loved to go camping and fishing and remembered how every Friday night she would have to cover her ears for an hour as he listened to boeremusiek on the radio.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery Friday night without fail we\u2019d all come together and he\u2019d put on the radio so we could listen to the boeremusiek,\u201d said Janine.<\/p>\n<p>Many question have been raised whether his death could have been avoided.<\/p>\n<p>Roelof\u2019s family want to make it clear that he was not tampering with something he shouldn\u2019t have.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy would he do something so irresponsible knowing he has a wife and children who depend on him at home,\u201d said Janine.<\/p>\n<p>Roelof was instead called to the scene to investigate \u2013 something the metro confirms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is reported that while on duty, Roelof received a call about suspicious-looking people attempting to open a substation and he responded,\u201d said Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe found employees from a private contractor carrying out maintenance work on the substation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is alleged he spotted a hole in the door of the substation and as he pointed it out he was electrocuted.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When asked if safety procedures were followed on site, Gadebe commented that this question forms part of the ongoing investigation.<\/p>\n<p>The Elsburg police confirmed they have opened an inquest docket following the electrocution.<\/p>\n<p>The family got a glimpse of the impact Roelof had on the community when residents filled Stark Road last Tuesday night to honour his memory.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_205135\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-205135\" style=\"width: 520px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-205135\" src=\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_31467-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_31467-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_31467-270x203.jpg 270w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_31467-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2019\/05\/20GCNGENERALBARR_31467.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-205135\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A cross has been setup next to the substation in Stark Road, Estera, where Chief Supt Roelof \u2018Barries\u2019 Barnard tragically died last Tuesday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI can see he made a change in the community,\u201d said Janine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMore of a change then I realised.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Quinnette added, \u201cHe had such an impact on so many people\u2019s lives, not as a law enforcer but as a friend.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t think so many people would come out to pay their respects.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe support from the community has been overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Though the family is overwhelmed and grateful for the support they have received, it doesn\u2019t take away their pain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just want my husband back,\u201d Janine said tearfully.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMorning coffee will never be the same again,\u201d said Quinnette.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe came to the BP in Lambton every morning to touch base with everyone and enjoy a cappuccino with three sugars.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A memorial service was held for Roelof on Friday at the Germiston City Hall, while a private service funeral was held on Monday at the Word and Life Church in Sunward Park, Boksburg.<\/p>\n<p>Moving forward the family does really not know what will happen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will take it day by day, especially with the little ones.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBernice and Jonathan were very close to their father,\u201d said Janine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy daddy was a hero,\u201d said Bernice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)<span class=\"apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-admin\/germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\">germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)<span class=\"apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"mailto:leighh@caxton.co.za\">leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0<a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"mailto:kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/germistoncitynews\/\">Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GCNnews\">Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/germistoncitynews\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCblgxW6BRXTLGLQvpcumLqA\">YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Or add the GCN on<span class=\"apple-converted-space\"><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><strong>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong><span class=\"apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0<strong>BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong><span class=\"apple-converted-space\"><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers<span class=\"apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"http:\/\/bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za\/\">Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,<span class=\"apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"http:\/\/albertonrecord.co.za\/\">Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and<span class=\"apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><a class=\"anchor_post\" href=\"http:\/\/kemptonexpress.co.za\/\">Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"stream-item stream-item-below-post-content\">\n<div class='tenancy_slot tenancy_slot_1 jannah_ad' style='display: none;' data-query-id='77e57ec7e840c972d65f719120c411a8'><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Family, friends and the community mourn the untimely death of Chief Supt Roelof \u2018Barries\u2019 Barnard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1848,"featured_media":205134,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"hasGravity":false,"cxt_article_byline":"Leigh Hodgson","cxt_disable_google_ads":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,2],"tags":[8297,989,1012,1003,1106,979,969,2730,2362],"class_list":["post-205132","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-news","category-news-headlines","tag-community-2","tag-crime","tag-east-rand","tag-ekurhuleni","tag-gcn","tag-germiston","tag-germiston-city-news","tag-leigh-hodgson","tag-south-africa"],"amp_enabled":true,"category_labels":{"Category":"News","SubCategory":"Local news"},"tag_labels":["community","crime","East Rand","Ekurhuleni","GCN","germiston","germiston city news","Leigh Hodgson","South 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