The Gqeberha community is mourning the loss of 54-year-old Henry Swartz and his 27-year-old colleague, Hussain Jbonomau, following a fatal incident at a dairy farm in Humansdorp on Wednesday. The two men, both employees of Northfield Engineering, were performing technical work at Brandkop Boerdery when the tragedy occurred.
Police were alerted to an emergency involving workers inside a confined milk cooling tank at approximately 4:29 p.m. According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, a police constable was lowered into the narrow tank while wearing a breathing apparatus to reach the men. Both Swartz and Jbonomau were discovered face-down in the water and were declared dead at the scene by emergency services.
A Family in Mourning
For Rochell Swartz, the loss of her husband of 30 years has been a “massive shock.” She recalled a final conversation on Wednesday morning, followed by a phone call later that afternoon in which her husband asked her to leave the garage door open because he would be home late. Instead of his return, she was visited by his employers shortly after 5 p.m. To be informed of his death.
Rochell described her husband as a soft-spoken, dedicated man who was deeply connected to their community in Helenvale. As a father of nine and a grandfather of 11, Swartz was remembered by his wife for his commitment to his family and his work ethic, noting that he rarely took time off, even when ill.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As the family prepares for the difficult process of laying their loved one to rest, they are awaiting the finalization of paperwork by detectives in Humansdorp. Rochell is scheduled to formally identify her husband’s body on Monday. Northfield Engineering has indicated that it will not provide further comment until a statement is issued on Monday, while representatives for Brandkop Boerdery have noted the men were qualified contractors working on the farm’s ice bank gas system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the two men doing at the farm?
Swartz and Jbonomau were qualified contractors from Northfield Engineering sent to Brandkop Boerdery to perform technical work on the farm’s cooling system, specifically the gas system connected to the ice bank.
How were the bodies recovered?
Police constable Emilio George was lowered into the narrow tank while wearing a full-face breathing apparatus and a safety line to retrieve the men, who were found face-down in the water.
When will more information be available?
The family is currently waiting for detectives to finalize paperwork for funeral arrangements, and Northfield Engineering has stated it will issue a formal statement on Monday.
How can workplaces better ensure the safety of contractors performing technical tasks in high-risk, confined environments?
