Police killing

The police slaying is but one in an ongoing spate in law enforcement. Image: Supplied/SAPS

Top brass visits home of killed police official in Gqeberha

Top brass visited the home of the police officer, Sgt Mario Nel, who was killed while on duty at the Motherwell magistrate court.

Police killing

The police slaying is but one in an ongoing spate in law enforcement. Image: Supplied/SAPS

The killing of a magistrates police officer led to the home visit by the MEC for Community Safety, Hon Xolile Nqatha. He visited the home of police Sergeant Mario Nel who was mercilessly killed while on duty at the Motherwell magistrates court.

THE GROUP OF TOP BRASS RECENTLY VISITED THE FAMILY

Police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said Sergeant Mario Nel, a court orderly aged 41, was fatally shot by the suspect whilst on duty in the court passages. The suspect was subsequently arrested in one of the streets in Motherwell, and the firearm, believed to be one he had robbed from the deceased member, was also recovered.

Nqatha was accompanied by the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing, Maj Gen Thandiswa Kupiso, NMB District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata and Station Commanders within the NMB District.

killing
Top brass visits home of killed police official in Gqeberha Photo: Supplied/SAPS

THE ENTOURAGE OFFERED THEIR CONDOLENCES

The group offered their condolences to the wife and family of the deceased officer at their home in Ext 22 in Bethelsdorp.

The police chaplain changed the sombre mood to that of hope and encouragement through the Lord’s word following the killing.

NMB District Commissioner, Maj Gen Ncata, expressed his appreciation to the MEC and the Provincial Commissioner for their support to the family of their fallen member. He also thanked the family for the warm reception received on arrival.

ALSO READ: Police officer killed by DRUNK DRIVER at Khutsong roadblock in the West Rand

MENE INFORMED THE FAMILY OF A SPEEDY ARREST

“This is a very sad moment for the family who have lost a loved one. It is very painful, too, for the family in the police. We have lost two officers in the line of duty in one week.

“I wish, on behalf of the management of the SAPS, to say to you that we are deeply sorry for your loss, but you must know that we will walk this road with you up until we finally bid farewell to Sgt Nel and beyond. We will give to you all the necessary support needed during this time,”

stated Lt Gen Mene.

ALSO READ: WATCH: EFF calls for Dalai Lama arrest over child abuse [Video]

THE POLICE ARE UTTERLY DEDICATED TO BEATING THIS SCOURGE

The MEC for Community Safety, Hon Nqatha, in his condolence message, remarked that it is indeed a very sad moment.

“I’m glad to stand here representing the Provincial government to add our voice in conveying our message of condolence for the passing of this patriot who has died with his boots on while on duty.”

Hon Nqatha

Nel died in the line of duty, doing what he dedicated his life to do. SAPS and the Provincial government take pride to have had him as a member who served this organisation with dedication, and we are together with the family feeling the pain with you.

NEL DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

ALSO READ: SAPU calls on state to declare police killings as treason

Before departing, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Maj Gen Kupiso encouraged the family to be strong and to lean on the Almighty during these trying times.

“We are thankful and appreciate that you have allowed your son to join this organisation and serve the community. He has most certainly served the community and died while still serving the community.

“To our colleagues, we are grateful that on that particular day, members didn’t run away but ensured that the perpetrator was arrested. May the wonderful Lord comfort you and give you peace, hold onto the hand of the comforter in the days to come.”

Maj Gen Kupiso

The visiting entourage also gave a cash offer donated by themselves to the family.

ALSO READ: Big drop in police killings, but SA still relatively dangerous for cops