A Norkem Park police officer was shot and killed while responding to a business robbery at Birch Acres Mall in Thembisa last night.

Kempton Express reports that according to a preliminary report, the sergeant and his colleague were dispatched to the Pick n Pay shopping centre in Birch Acres after receiving a complaint of a robbery in progress.

Officers ambushed during response

When the officers approached the mall, the suspects started shooting at them from two sides.

They tried to drive away, but the sergeant, who was driving the police vehicle, was shot through the windscreen and died on the scene.

The suspects, described only as several armed men, fled with stolen goods and cash. No arrests have yet been made.

All relevant stakeholders attended the scene.

Community pays tribute to fallen hero

The Norkem Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) described the fallen officer as ‘a true hero, a brave and selfless member of the Norkem Park SAPS family’.

“Our hearts are shattered. Last night, we lost one of our own, a husband, a father, a son, an uncle, a protector, a friend,” the CPF said in a statement.

“He was more than just a uniform; he was a human being who wore his badge with pride and served this community with courage, kindness and compassion,” the CPF said.

Calls for information and community support

The CPF urged anyone with information about the suspects to come forward.

“Please, if you know anything that could help find the people who took his life, come forward. No detail is too small. Help us bring justice for the man who gave everything to keep us safe.”

The CPF said the officer was the first member from the Norkem Park SAPS to be killed in the line of duty and appealed for the community to support local officers during this time of grief.

“Behind every badge is a human soul, someone’s mother or father, someone’s child, someone’s entire world.

“Last night’s tragedy reminded us how fragile life is and how heavy the burden of service can be. Let us stand together, hand in hand, hearts united in grief and love.

“We will remember our fallen hero, not only for how he died, but for how he lived: With courage, loyalty and love for his community.”

The Norkem Park CPF said it would share details soon on how the community can assist the late officer’s family and SAPS members during this difficult time.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.