Cape Town - As the 44-year-old VIP Protection Unit officer who allegedly attempted suicide by shooting himself during a funeral service recovers in hospital, the local CPF says the incident points to the impact of ongoing violence.
The officer shot himself in the head while performing security detail duties for MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen at the funeral service of slain LEAP officer Allesandro Heynes on Saturday morning.
The officer was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Elsies River CPF chairperson Hamish Arries said they were “shocked and saddened by the unfortunate incident”.
“This incident brings into stark reality the impact that the ongoing violence is having on all sectors of society.
As citizens of one of the most beautiful but also most violent cities in the world, we are all suffering from deep trauma. Even more so our police and law enforcement officers who constantly bear the brunt of the violent onslaught in our communities.
“That this unfortunate incident happened at the funeral of one of the victims of violence, once again puts the community of Elsiesriver centre stage for all the wrong reasons.
We have to change this narrative that makes Elsiesriver newsworthy only when there’s violence involved...our prayer goes out to the family and friends of Heynes, who were exposed to even more tragedy as they prepared to lay their loved one to rest,” said Arries.
Heynes, 23, was buried from his Salberau, Epping Forest home on Saturday after he was shot and killed on September 30. Heynes had, earlier that evening, transported a girl to her matric ball.
Three suspects, including two minors, have since been arrested for his murder - for which the motive appears to have been robbery - and have appeared in court on a number of criminal charges.
Police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda, said SAPS are investigating the attempted suicide incident.
“Police are investigating an incident in which a member of the VIP Protection Unit is alleged to have shot himself outside the United Reformed Church in Elsies River.
“The warrant officer was assigned to an MEC and was on duty when the incident happened. He was rushed to hospital for immediate medical attention in a critical condition,” said Netshiunda.
Allen confirmed the incident involved his protector.
“I am deeply shocked and hurt by what transpired. I’d like to wish the officer a speedy recovery. I hope we will be able to get to the bottom of why this occurred soonest,” said Allen.
Cape Times