FAMILY, friends and business colleagues of the Rademeyer family are still trying to come to terms with the tragic death of Elsi Rademeyer (24), her mother Elaine (62), father Coert (66) from Alberton, sister Orpa (27) and Orpa’s husband Henk Barnard (31) from Bethlehem who all died in an accident in Palm Beach on December 29.
Also Read: UPDATE: R61 crash – 5 members of one family killed
They all died at the scene together with South Coast traffic officer, Ashuk Sanjay Ramauthar (46) who was on duty at a vehicle stop and search checkpoint on the R61 when the accident occurred.
Elsi was a hairdresser and owned The Image Salon for three years in Hennie Alberts Street, Brackenhurst. Her mother, Elaine worked for a law firm and her father Coert was previously an executive member at Spoornet. The family had lived in Alberton for the past 40 years.
Their other daughter Orpa married Henk Barnard in 2016. Orpa was a teacher and Henk owned a farm in Bethlehem and was very much loved by the Bethlehem community.
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Coert, who was in Alberton at the time of the accident, is the only surviving member of the Rademeyer family. Elsi’s longtime boyfriend, Jaco Lottering, was also in Alberton at the time of the accident.
On January 3 Coert told the RECORD’s sister paper, South Coast HERALD he would miss his family dearly, describing them as ‘a happy, colourful and loving family’.
It is understood that a heavy goods truck was travelling from Port Edward towards Port Shepstone when it careered into one of the cars in the northbound lane (pulled over by another traffic officer) before striking officer Ramauthar and the Alberton and Bethlehem family’s vehicle stopped in the southbound lane.
KZN EMS spokesman Rob Mckenzie said that several injured motorists were treated and stabilised before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said police are investigating six counts of culpable homicide. She added that no arrests had been made as police were still investigating and taking witness statements.
The truck has been impounded by police.
On a personal note:
The Rademeyer’s were dearly loved in Alberton, and as a businesswoman, Elsi stole most of the community’s hearts.
She was the most kind-hearted person who always made you feel at home in her salon. She was always up for a challenge and her passion was to do hair and she had the privilege of doing her sister, Orpa’s hair on her wedding day.
Elsi will be remembered as the funniest, most honest, beautiful, friendly and humble angel on earth.
In a previous interview with the RECORD Elsi said that she loves her clients and that she created her salon with a vibey look so that clients can relax and enjoy their time.
She told the RECORD that one of her dreams was to become a journalist. She said: “As a hairdresser, I am a journalist at heart because I get to meet the most amazing people on a daily basis. Elsi loved to shop and to spend time with Jaco and her family. Her inspiration in life was her parents because they always motivated her and were always there for her.
“I remember how she always bragged about Jaco and she always had these ideas to spoil him. She was so excited to get engaged and to marry the love of her life. Elsi you were my inspiration in life and I will always remember your motto: ‘With God everything is possible’. I will miss your vibrant smile and gentle caring dearly,” said a friend.
Funeral arrangements:
Orpa and Henk will be laid to rest in Bethlehem on January 11 at 11am. Elsi, Coert and Elaine’s funeral will take place on Thursday, January 18 at 11am from the Reformed Church (Hervormde Kerk), Alberton West in Camborne Road.
Officer Ramauthar’s funeral was held at the Margate Town Hall on December 31. He leaves his wife, Pansy, and daughters Akashnee (19) and Ashika (13) behind.
Coert expressed his thanks to everybody for their assistance and kindness shown, in particular to Rob van der Merwe.
Messages from social media:
*Tamryn Faul – “RIP Elsi Rademeyer, you were such an inspiration as a hairdresser and person in general. You will be making everyone beautiful up in heaven, that’s for sure.”
* Nastasia Blamire – “RIP to my dear friend and her family … My biggest condolences to Jaco and Coert, my heart is so sore for you two … You are in my heart and thoughts …. My dear Elsi I am so grateful to have been lucky enough to know you and call you my Bestie I’m sorry for not putting in the time lately but I love you and I am so thankful for our friendship … God knows what he’s doing and there are five new angels taken home … You will always be my friend and I cherish the great memories. I’m especially gonna miss our catch up sessions at the salon with our feet up on the chair eating McDonald’s.”
* Rizanne de Castro – “We might not have been friends in the beginning but we were definitely, in the end, our road trips and laughs will forever be with me.
R.I.P my beautiful friend. I’ll miss you.”
*Morne Oosthuizen – “To my friend Elsi Rademeyer. I can’t believe it. The short time I have known you had been incredible. From you doing the hair at my wedding and to the laughs we had in the salon. I am devastated by you and your family’s passing. May you and your beautiful family all rest in peace. You were one special girl and going to miss you, friend.”
* Suzanne Franco – “So desperately sad … Elsi such a beautiful, kind, caring soul. May God truly bless you and your family. Rest in peace with the angels because you are one.”
* Tammy Audagnotti – “So sad to hear of the sudden passing of Elsi Rademeyer and her family members. Sending love and healing to those going through this difficult time.”
*Information regarding the accident and main photograph courtesy South Coast Herald journalist, Sugan Naidoo.
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