Memorial held for Springs policeman as town mourns a fallen hero
Captain Wynand du Toit, a beloved and dedicated officer with numerous accolades, tragically lost his life while heroically attempting to stop a robbery in Geduld, leaving behind a legacy of service and two sons, as the SAPS arrest two suspects in connection with his death.
The heavy rains are a testament to the mood that has befallen the town with the death of Captain Wynand du Toit.
The 50-year-old succumbed to his injuries on Sunday after he was shot while attempting to stop a robbery in progress in Geduld.
Four men attempted to rob the store that morning. The business owners were ushered to the back of the shop and told to comply.
Gunshots erupted upon the arrival of police and Du Toit was injured during the shootout. The would-be robbers fled the scene in a VW Polo. Du Toit was rushed to a local hospital where he later died.
Since the news of his death, the outpouring of grief and disbelief was almost instant. Messages flooded local group chats and social media as people all over Ekurhuleni expressed their shock and sadness at Du Toit’s passing.
A memorial service was held in his honour on Monday evening at Springs Mall. Hundreds of people from all over attended and united in the shared memory of Du Toit.
Brigadier Thembeka Gwabushe, the previous station commander of the Springs SAPS, spoke during the service about what a good man Du Toit was.
“I don’t know what to say. I am very emotional just thinking about Captain Du Toit. I got to know him when I was appointed as station commander of Springs in April 2011.
“When I arrived in Springs he was still a warrant officer. Because of his commitment and love for the community and his job, he was promoted to captain.
“While he was commander of Sector 5, he was everywhere in Springs and was even active throughout Ekurhuleni. He worked day and night. I never saw him take a rest day or in the 12 years I’ve worked in Springs take a sick day.”
“When asked why he never took leave, he would respond what could he do if the community needed his services. That was the kind of person he was.”
The same sentiments were shared by current SAPS station commander Brigadier Raymond Buthelezi.
“Du Toit was always friendly, hardworking and available for his fellow officers and the community at large. The Springs SAPS has lost a gem and we extend our sincerest condolences to his loved ones.”
Du Toit has not only left two sons, Sheldon and Nathan, behind but friends, family and a stellar service history. He received awards such as the best social crime prevention person of the year at the SAPS Provincial Prestige Excellence Awards in 2017.
Du Toit also received a commendation medal in 2021 for saving the life of an elderly man. He was also awarded the Vispol employee of the year in 2023 at the Ekurhuleni District Excellence Awards.
The SAPS have arrested two suspects in connection with the captain’s murder. One was found at Pholosong and the other was found in Evander trying to seek medical attention.
ALSO CHECK: Officer fatally wounded in Geduld shootout, motorists urged to avoid area
ALSO CHECK: UPDATE: Two arrested in connection with the murder of Captain Wynand du Toit
