Murdered police officer buried
AGrahamstown Warrant Officer Alby Julius who was stabbed to death on Saturday 13 August was laid to rest on Saturday.
Grahamstown senior police officials and community members came out in numbers to say goodbye to the much respected Julius.
His body was discovered with multiple stab wounds in the upper body at about 7am on 6 August in bushes near Sun City.
A 32-year old man was arrested immediately after the body was found and he has already appeared in court.
Grahamstown police spokesperson Captain Luvuyo Mjekula said the motive for the murder forms part of the investigation and did not wish to speculate.
From the memorial service held on Wednesday last week, speakers have described Julius as a humble, dedicated and committed police officer.
His funeral started at his house in Hooggenoeg and went on to the Cathedral at noon.
In the afternoon, the funeral went on to the Waainek Cemetery where Julius was laid to rest.
Branch Commander Lieutenant Mthwakazi Msomi said Julius was an asset to the police service and his death was a huge loss both to the family and to the police.
“We called him Juju and he had a lot of knowledge which he shared with all of us.
“Sorrow fills our hearts at this sad moment, a sorrow that is deep and personal.
“Warrant Officer Julius has silently closed the door of life and departed from us.
“Our lives will be empty in the areas that he had brightened for us.
“Albert Einstein said – and I quote – ‘The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive’.
“Julius was a man who gave much to his work.
“That is why, ladies and gentlemen as we are gathered here to say goodbye to him, I would like to speak in celebration of his life.
“He was a life that demanded notice, exemplified brilliance, inspired emulation and burned so that others’ parts were lit,” said Msomi.
She said she had known Ju- lius for 10 years. Msomi said Julius was a strategic thinker, a visionary who was brilliant, innovative and creative.
“As such, he contributed much to the development of the SAPS and the Grahamstown Detective Branch.
“He generously gave us his knowledge, his expertise and his skills.
“Julius was deeply concerned with improving what he knows best and he was very keen to innovate it.
“He initiated and implemented much in this field during the number of years that he was at the SAPS.
“May his soul rest in peace. He will be deeply and sadly missed by the SAPS and the Grahamstown Detective Branch,” said Msomi.