EMPD bids farewell to the fallen traffic warden
EMPD bids farewell to one of their own who was taken in an act of criminal practices.
A traffic warden, Lawrence Ngudle, lost his life during a hijacking gone wrong in Esangweni on January 29.
The incident occurred shortly after he finished his shift, as he parked his work vehicle at a mechanical workshop and was heading home.
It is believed he was walking away from his vehicle when three men ambushed him, opened fire, and fatally wounded Ngudle.
The suspects fled the scene in a white Avanza.
ALSO READ: Killed EMPD officer remembered in memorial service
Ngudle, a dedicated officer, fought valiantly to protect his service firearm, which could have been used to commit crimes if it fell into the wrong hands. Despite his efforts to fend off the attackers, they overpowered him and he lost his life on the scene.
Ngudle was laid to rest on February 8.
On February 6, his colleagues and the City of Ekurhuleni held a memorial service to honour their fallen hero.
The service brought together all departments under one umbrella at Esangweni, where an intimate gathering of his colleagues and peers gathered to honour his memory.
Ngamlane Nkosi, director of by-law and compliance, shared a tribute, recalling Ngudle’s impact on the job and his dedication to his colleagues.
“Ngudle was always thoughtful and selfless in getting the job done,” Nkosi said.
“If we were ever short of transport, he would take his bus and ensure we could get to the work area.
ALSO READ: Wife of murdered EMPD officer arrested
“There was an instance where he received an offer for a transfer, but he refused because he loved working near home, where he felt he was serving his community.
“It is tragic that someone who worked tirelessly to safeguard the community was taken from us in such a brutal and disrespectful way.”
The EMPD Northern Region Task Team arrested two men aged 23 and 31 in connection with this fatal shooting.
Following a swift investigation, they tracked the suspects to Alexandra Hostel and Roosevelt Avenue.
They recovered the getaway vehicle, detained the suspects and charged them with murder and robbery. One suspect remains at large.
City of Ekurhuleni MMC of Community Safety Sizakele Masuku commended the EMPD Northern Region Task Team for their swift response and tireless efforts, which led to the arrests.
“These officers worked around the clock to ensure justice for Ngudle’s family. We continue to search for the third suspect,” said Masuku.
