Grief at officer’s death

Captain Vincent Auerbach, of the Durban organised crime unit (Cato Manor), died of a suspected heart attack at his Bluff home on Tuesday.

Tributes poured in on the Durban organised crime unit’s Facebook page on Tuesday when news broke of the death of a second suspended officer of the disbanded Cato Manor unit.

Captain Vincent Auerbach, 40, died at his Bluff home on Tuesday afternoon just four days before his 41st birthday. It is suspected he died of a heart attack.

Auerbach was one of 30 policemen charged with running a hit squad responsible for killing criminal suspects.

Another member of the unit, Captain Neville Eva, died last November of a bacterial infection in his heart.

Some members of the disbanded unit gathered on Tuesday at Auerbach’s home to comfort the family.

A statement on the unit’s Facebook page read: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, we inform you that Vincent Auerbach, one of our 30 heroes, has passed away at the age of 40 from a heart attack. To your family, friends and the unit, our thoughts and prayers are with you all… Vince, gone but never forgotten.”

Messages with “RIP”, were posted on the Facebook page.

Another of the 30 suspended officers, Warrant Officer Jeremy Marten, wrote: “I miss you already my friend, I blame these idiots for your’s and Nev’s (Neville Eva’s) untimely deaths. It was an honour to have served with you in the best and worst years of my career. See you on the other side. Rest in peace brother.”

Eva’s son, Ashton, took to the page as well.

He wrote: “RIP, will never forget how you helped us through my dad’s passing. Cato stand strong, stand tall.”

Thoughts

Another message read: “So shocked to hear this sad, sad news. Condolences to his family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all, from Mrs Lockem and family.”

A message from a suspended officer’s relative read: “Another life lost before its time, stress no doubt, I never knew you, but fly free with the angels, condolences and thoughts with your family during this sad time.”

A fan of the unit, Lauren van Rooyen, wrote: “Sincere condolences to his family and friends. So sad another hero will not be there to see justice. Rest in peace with the angels.”

Michael Frost posted: “It breaks me to now hear of our latest tragedy. RIP Vince. You deserve a good rest, big guy. Thank you for the sacrifice you have made, I can only apologise for what you have been put through lately on behalf of our incompetent police management and corrupt government. It’s us the citizens at home and abroad that appreciate what you and the lads have done for society. Ciao Frosty.”