Niël Terblanché
The community of Rehoboth and the broader Namibian rugby fraternity are mourning the loss of Etienne Jacques Coetzee, 48, the respected chairperson of the Reho Falcons Rugby Club, following a devastating road accident.
The tragic incident also claimed the lives of his two sons, Louisiana Edmando Coetzee, 23, the team’s captain, and Etman Jacardo Coetzee, 21, a team player, along with 21-year-old Greschlinn Denzeleo Bruwer.
The accident occurred on Saturday evening, approximately ten kilometres from Rehoboth on the road leading back from Windhoek.
According to police reports, the Coetzees were returning from a match between the Wanderers and the Reho Falcons held in Windhoek.
Their vehicle, a maroon Audi Q7 collided with a cow before veering into the path of an oncoming white Volvo freezer truck and subsequently hitting a white Volkswagen Tiguan.
“In the process, all occupants of the Audi Q7 were thrown from the vehicle, and four died on the spot,” reported the Namibian Police.
Two additional passengers, aged 48 and 10, suffered serious injuries and were urgently transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for medical treatment.
According to Nampol, the drivers of the Volvo truck and Volkswagen Tiguan were unharmed.
The tragedy left the Rehoboth community in a state of shock and grief.
The rugby community and Rehoboth residents are planning memorials to honour the lives of the Coetzees and Bruwer, remembering them for their contributions both on and off the field.
