TRIBUTE TO OUR FALLEN COLLEAGUES FROM THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

Inspector Frederick (Frikkie) van Heerden,
West Rand Dog Unit

Inspector Nzama Victor Mathye,
West Rand Dog Unit

Sergeant Gert Schoeman,
West Rand Emergency Response Services

Constable Peter Francois Seaward,
Johannesburg Dog Unit

Top management of the South African Police Service, on behalf of all members and employees, pays tribute to our four fallen colleagues, callously gunned down in their prime on Sunday 25 June 2006.

A group of members from the West Rand Flying Squad and Dog Unit heroically chased down a large gang of heavily armed robbers in Jeppestown, Johannesburg. In the course of an intensive shoot-out, during which the members vigorously defended themselves, the four brave police officers were fatally wounded. We extend our most heartfelt sympathy to their families, loved ones and colleagues.

The entire South African Police Service is grieving with them and we will do all in our power to support them in their time of sadness.

Eight members of the ruthless gang were killed in the exchange of gunshots and another eleven were later arrested. All members on the scene, including the four who paid with their lives and the two who were injured, displayed the utmost courage and dedication to their duties. They were willing to forsake their own lives to protect the community and tragically Inspector Frikkie van Heerden (32 years of age), Inspector Nzama Mathye (49 years of age), Sergeant Gert Schoeman ( 30 years of age) and Constable Peter Francois Seaward (31 years of age) did just that.

We must honour their memories by taking the fight against crime forward with renewed energy and vigour - only by thwarting the evil of crime can we serve and protect the people of this country and forge a better life for all.We must honour their memories by taking the fight against crime forward with renewed energy and vigour - only by thwarting the evil of crime can we serve and protect the people of this country and forge a better life for all.