Long-serving KwaDukuza (situated outside Ballito in KZN) traffic officer superintendent Eddie Boaventura tragically passed away yesterday evening after being shot by fleeing robbers at around 11:00.

The group of thieves, understood to be five or six men, had robbed the Vodacom cellphone store in the KwaDukuza Mall before driving towards the N2 for their escape.

Although it was initially reported that Boaventura stopped them because of the robbery, it is now understood that he pulled them over because of their erratic driving in his role as a traffic officer.

Once the car had stopped near the Blythedale interchange, Boaventura approached the driver’s side window and was shot five times in the chest, with the robbers stealing his pistol before leaving him on the roadside.

Paramedics stabilised him on scene and he was airlifted to a Pietermaritzburg hospital with a suitable trauma facility, but despite the best efforts of all involved, the injuries proved too severe.

The robbers escaped, with their vehicle last seen at the Umvoti Toll. A case of attempted murder was opened at KwaDukuza SAPS yesterday afternoon.

Boaventura was highly respected within KwaDukuza, serving as the superintendent for the KwaDukuza CBD and working in law enforcement for more than 30 years.

Police sources called him a ‘giant of law enforcement, a true straight arrow who was only interested in making his area better wherever possible’.

The KwaDukuza chapter of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) also lamented the loss.

“We send out heartfelt condolences to the Boaventura family, his friends and colleagues.

“Comrade Boaventura served the KwaDukuza Municipality with distinction and he was one of the longest serving law enforcement officers in the area,” said Samwu.

“We urge law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in the hunt and bringing to book the perpetrators of this heinous crime that has robbed the Boaventura family of a provider. His spirit will remain in the hearts of municipal workers and residents to whom he dedicated much of his time.”