A policeman was gunned down in an apparent hit moments after he wished his mother happy birthday last Saturday.

The family of Detective Warrant Officer Andrew James Houston (51) has called on the ‘top cops’ to mobilise all resources to apprehend the suspects.

The hit occurred just outside Harding Secondary School hall at about 08:30. Officer Houston had just wished his 71-year-old mother happy birthday and was on his way to the Harding police station when he came under fire.

His dark grey bakkie, was riddled with bullets holes.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker says Houston was driving a state vehicle when he was shot several times by unknown people.

“He was confirmed dead at the scene. The Hawks are investigating a case of murder and no arrests have been made yet.”

Houston’s brother, Jesmond Cross says he died a hero protecting the people of this country.

“He served the community of Harding with pride as put the safety of his community before his own for 32 years. He was jovial and loved his family dearly. Before he went to work, he made sure he stopped at mum’s home and wished her happy birthday. Now my mother will remember her son’s death on her birthday,” he says.

Cross adds that there were several bullet holes on the driver’s side. “There were also about 20 empty cartridges on the ground next to his police vehicle.”

“On the day of the shooting it took police over an hour to reach the scene and the police station is less than 250 metres from where the incident happened. People were walking all over contaminating the scene. It was heart-breaking for my family seeing people going to look at his body in the vehicle.”

Houston’s family is still in shock. “We call on the police to mobilise all resources to apprehend the killers. My brother leaves behind his wife, two daughters and a son whom he loved so dearly.”

Cross stresses that crime in Harding is out of control. “We are living in fear every day and taking out a police officer shows how serious crime is out of control.”

A resident and business owner in Harding says shootings in the area have increased.

“We need the top cops within this district to come here from Thursday to Sunday and see for themselves what’s happens in Harding. They must stay overnight too and hear what we go through. They will be very afraid.”

A state memorial service was held at AFM Harding on Thursday. A funeral service was held at Harding Secondary School hall today.

Police were unable to provide further information regarding Houston’s murder. It had been reported that several murders had occurred recently, and community members are living in fear.

In May, a 37-year-old businessman was shot and killed in Murchison Street, Harding. Three armed men entered the business premises and shot Sonwabile Shezi. He was declared dead at the scene.