PA Northern Cape chairperson Anthony Mietas dies in car crash

PATRIOTIC Alliance (PA) Northern Cape chairperson and Karoo Hoogland councillor Anthony Mietas, 47, died in a motor vehicle accident on the R353 between Williston and Fraserburg on Sunday, November 1, after the vehicle in which he was travelling overturned.

Mietas previously served as mayor of the Karoo Hoogland Municipality and was recognised as a key founder of the PA in Sutherland and across the Karoo Hoogland region.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

“Williston SAPS are investigating a culpable homicide case following a motor vehicle accident that allegedly occurred on Sunday at about 2.40pm on the R353 between Williston and Fraserburg.

“Preliminary information indicates that Williston SAPS members attended the scene and, upon arrival, found a grey Toyota Fortuner lying on its side next to the fence.”

She added that the deceased was found lying outside the vehicle, while another male occupant was still inside.

“It is believed that the vehicle rolled before coming to a standstill on its side. The deceased is believed to be a 47-year-old councillor from the Karoo Hoogland Municipality.”

Gamieldien said emergency medical personnel certified him dead at the scene.

“The other injured male was transported to a local hospital in Calvinia for medical treatment.”

PA leader Gayton McKenzie conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

“It is with the heaviest heart and eyes full of tears that I must inform you of the death of our beloved Northern Cape chairperson Anthony Mietas in a terrible car accident. We shared a special bond and receiving the news of his death was extremely painful.”

He said Mietas died while carrying out campaigning duties ahead of the local government elections.

“He died on duty, he went to go fetch T-shirts, he died with his boots on. A week ago I praised his work and wanted him appointed to the national executive committee. He refused, saying that his work is not done for the people of the Northern Cape.

“We are broken. This news is total devastation to many of us. Patriot Mietas, rest with the knowledge that we shall continue the fight, we shall fight extra hard because we are a man down, we shall have you as our North Star when we execute the task ahead of removing the ANC from power in the Northern Cape. Mooi loop, Mietas.”

Karoo Hoogland municipal speaker Eden Oliphant expressed her sadness over his death on behalf of the council.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic passing of our beloved colleague and fellow councillor, who lost his life in a motor vehicle accident.

“Words can hardly express the pain of losing someone who was more than a colleague. Mietas was a warm and wonderful person to work with and to serve alongside on the council. His presence, humility and the lives he touched will remain part of his legacy.”

She extended condolences to his family, friends, the PA, the Sutherlands Barbarians rugby club and the community he served.