Kimberley - Kimberley residents on Tuesday bid a final farewell to one of their hero cops who lost his life in the line of duty, during a bloody shooting in the city’s streets last week.
During an emotionally-charged official police funeral service, family members, friends, colleagues and dignitaries said their last goodbyes to Warrant Officer Duncan Vertue, 46, from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Kimberley, who has been described as a “gentle giant”.
Vertue was killed last Wednesday afternoon after being involved in a shootout between police officials and an ex-policeman, who had apparently been involved in a domestic dispute with his wife, a police official, at the SAPS Provincial Head Office only minutes earlier.
Vertue died on the scene, while Sergeant Gregory Ian Jagger Vis, 36, from the Tactical Response Team, died in hospital shortly after the shooting, which took place at the Bultfontein Road/Long Street intersection in Kimberley’s CBD.
Mourners filled the NG Church Kimberley (Newton) to capacity on Tuesday, with attendees, many dressed in police uniform, even seen standing on the stairs and in passageways, coming to pay their last respects.
At the entrance to the church, Vertue’s coffin stood covered in the South African flag and topped with his service medals and police cap.
During the service by Dr Lukas Basson, several women and men in attendance could not hold back their tears.
Basson noted that Vertue died while convincing someone that “crime is not the answer”.
The MEC for Education, Martha Bartlett, on behalf of the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Pauline Williams, also delivered a message and said that Vertue would be remembered as a “fighter for justice”.
“In remembering Warrant Officer Duncan Vertue, we should as a nation double our efforts to partner and support our police officers in this difficult task of fighting crime. It is our responsibility both as individuals and as a nation to ensure safer homes, safer communities and a safer environment for all.
“This occasion, of bidding farewell to this gallant officer, must inspire all of us as law-abiding citizens to defeat crime, in whatever form it manifests itself.
“Finally, as we bid you goodbye and farewell, you have done your part and the victory crown is certain. May God receive your soul and you will be sorely missed as you rest in eternal peace. God bless,” Bartlett said.
After the church service, Vertue’s coffin was taken outside the building for a formal police ceremony where several high-ranking police officials gave their final salute to Vertue during an official send-off.
The flag covering his coffin was folded and then handed over to family members who sobbed uncontrollably as they stood on the steps of the church.
The coffin was then taken to the hearse with the police band playing in the background.
Police spokesman, Captain Olebogeng Tawana, stated yesterday that the details of Vis’ funeral were still to be finalised.
A third police official, who was also shot during the incident, Sergeant Oaribile Boyise, 36, was still in critical condition in the ICU unit of Kimberley Mediclinic on Tuesday.