Covid-19 - 'It happens in a split second'

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GEORGE NEWS and VIDEOS - It happens in a split second and could happen to anyone. These are the words of the late Sgt Luzuko Derrick Desha (38) in one of his last voice notes to a family member from his hospital bed.

Desha was laid to rest early on Tuesday morning, 23 June, after he passed away in hospital last Thursday.

This was the second time in three days that the Desha family from Thembalethu stood at an open grave. Derrick father's, Sarile (64), better known as Oom Fanie, died on 13 June and was buried on Saturday. The father and son, who were very close and shared a passion for of rugby, were in hospital together and now lie next to each other in their final resting place.

Derrick's mother, Margaret, is currently in isolation at the field hospital at PetroSA in Mossel Bay and is physically doing well.

Family spokesperson Bonisile Desha this week told George Herald that the two were principled and humble men. "They loved rugby and were peaceful men. My uncle was a strong man who had always provided for his family. Respect was very important to him and he led by example. He was also very dedicated to his work and in everything he did. And in Derrick's case, the apple did not fall far from the tree."

PHOTO GALLERY: SERGEANT LUZOKO DESHA FONDLY REMEMBERED

Police officers from stations across George visited the Desha family at their home in Ntaka Street, Thembalethu on Monday to pay their last respects. Derrick joined the police service 15 years ago.

Southern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie, said Desha will be greatly missed by all whom he had encountered during his time as a police member at the George detective branch and beyond.

The family thanked the police for their support, as well as Desha senior’s colleagues at the George Municipality. He was employed at the environmental services department for 43 years, up to his death.

Derrick leaves behind his mother, four brothers, a sister and four children - three daughters (16, 11 and 8) and a son (7).

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