Kilnerpark residents remember fallen hero Jaco Botha
Staff from the garage as well as other surrounding business held a hero's vigil for him who died 15 years ago during an ATM bombing.
Fallen hero Jaco Botha was remembered last week by Kilnerpark residents, especially those working at the local Engen garage spent last week.
Police investigator Botha was tragically killed on June 18, 2008, while investigating an ATM bombing at an Engen Garage in Kilnerpark.
Botha and his partner went to investigate after receiving a complaint that the ATM was being tampered with. The robbers started shooting, and a bullet hit Botha’s throat.
It has been 15 years since the incident, but many garage staff and surrounding businesses will never forget what they saw that day.
WE WON’T FORGET HIS SACRIFICE.
Staff from the garage, as well as other surrounding businesses, held a hero’s vigil for him.
“The traumatic incident has left its mark on our staff. Those who were on duty that day and those who arrived after the shoot-out,” said Hanlie Jordaan.
“Out of this awful experience, something wonderful happened. Law enforcement and private security officials worked together.”
Jordaan also remembers how the staff worked together in the aftermath of the incident.
After the police tape was removed and the garage cleared for business, their customers returned, and the staff was determined to bring quality service.
The perpetrators stole R13 000 in cash from the ATM, a few cigarette packets, and airtime vouchers.
“We won’t forget his sacrifice.
“He paid the ultimate price for our community,” said another staff member Vanessa Meintjies.
CEILING WAS TOTALLY BLOWN OFF
Former co-owner of the garage, Casper du Plessis, remembers arriving at the garage on the day.
The helicopter’s drumming and authoritative instructions filled the usually quiet winter’s morning.
“I arrived at the garage in the very early hours of June 18 and couldn’t believe the destruction.
“The office ceiling was totally blown off.
“Partly burnt money lay scattered where our ATM had been, and there were police officers everywhere.”
OTHER STAFF MEMBERS SHARED THEIR EXPERIENCES.
Silas Molefe: “I came in at 09:00 and found the red tape and police everywhere.
“The ATM was in pieces on the floor. We must remember what happened.”
Letta Phaala: “He was just lying there when I arrived for my shift.
“It is good that we remember him.”
Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa water interruptions set for Tuesday
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
