A 41-year-old correctional officer from Nigel Correctional Centre has died after a hijacking attempt which occurred at Welgedacht near Daveyton on October 9.
Frans Tshimele Phasha and a friend were reportedly travelling eastbound from Daveyton around 21:00 in a Toyota Hilux bakkie. They were flagged down by two pedestrians masquering as hitchhikers.
Phasha allegedly offered the men a ride to Springs, but his generosity ended in tragedy when the two hitchhikers were joined by another two who were apparently hiding in a nearby veld.
One of them pulled out a firearm and ordered Phasha out of his vehicle, but in an attempt to get away from the hijackers, he accelerated. In the process, he was shot in the back of the head, leaving him critically injured. The hijackers continued robbing the passenger of his valuables before disappearing into the dark.
A metro officer from Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department about to start his shift, arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and immediately summonsed emergency services. Phasha was rushed to Life Springs Parkland Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day (October 10).
Phasha was a social reintegration officer based at Nigel Correctional Centre: Case Management. During his tenor of 13 years, he served in various positions and was a staunch member of the First Response Team. He was appointed by the Department of Correctional Services on 3 July 2005 and will be remembered by colleagues for his humour. Being a keen athlete, Phasha also participated in numerous marathons, including the Comrades Marathon.
“He leaves behind a great legacy. It is a difficult time for friends and colleagues and not easy to cope with his tragic death. We are angered and saddened and words cannot fully express our sorrow. He was a true soldier, a kind man who always carried a smile on his lips. May his soul rest in peace,” Katiso Rantla – DH Security Officer at Nigel Correctional Services said.
A memorial service will take place at Nigel Correctional Centre on October 18. Phasha will be laid to rest by his family at Magobading in Burgersfort (Mpumalanga) on October 20.
SAPS Springs is investigating cases of attempted hijacking and armed robbery. The suspects are still at large.
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