Steadfast to his calling of the past 21 years, Niren Ramsaroop paid the ultimate price for justice.
The 40-year-old Glencoe-born Sergeant Ramsaroop lost his life when he was gunned down while attempting to apprehend a robber on November 14.
At the time of his death, the dedicated policeman was stationed at Empangeni SAPS.
While patrolling in a police vehicle in the Empangeni CBD with his colleagues on the day, the policemen were approached by three women, who reported that they had been robbed of a bag containing R110 000 in cash in stokvel money by two armed men.
One of the men was spotted by Sgt Ramsaroop, who apprehended the assailant. The suspect then produced a concealed firearm and shot the police officer in the chest.
Despite his injury, Sgt Ramsaroop was able to return fire and shot the suspect, wounding him in the leg.
A short while later, Sgt Ramsaroop succumbed inevitably to the fatal gunshot wound to his chest. The injured robber, 41 years old, was transported to hospital where he remains under police guard. His firearm, with its serial number erased, was recovered at the scene.
The unidentified second suspect, managed to flee the scene with a bag containing the cash, and a manhunt is under way.
Police officers at the Empangeni Police Station were devastated at the news of the death of their colleague.
Sgt Ramsaroop was described by fellow police officers as a dedicated policeman who was ‘always at the front lines of crime fighting initiatives’.
Paying homage to their fallen colleague, members of the Empangeni, Ladysmith, Dannhauser and Newcastle police stations assembled at Newcastle Crematorium on November 16, for Sgt Ramsaroop’s funeral, offering a solemn tribute.
Distraught friends and family also gathered to bid a tearful farewell to an honourable martyr.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni requested detectives not to rest until the other suspect is brought in.
“I want to urge the other suspect to hand himself over. He should not even try to enjoy himself with his ill-gotten gains, as he will be behind bars soon. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sgt Ramsaroop. He was a committed and hardworking member of the SAPS and his superiors speak very highly of him. We are all saddened by his loss,” she said.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu shared his thoughts on the killing of Sgt Ramsaroop.
“We are indeed shocked by this inhumane act. We condemn it and we will follow it until there is an arrest and conviction. The killing of a police officer is totally unacceptable and poses a serious threat to the generally peaceful province of KwaZulu-Natal.”
“However, I am assured that members of the police will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators of this nefarious deed are brought to justice as soon as possible.”
The Newcastle Advertiser extends it’s condolences to the bereaved family.
