Deputy sheriff is laid to rest
MBOMBELA - Devastated family and friends of Nelspruit deputy sheriff Michelle Jones (31) had to say their final goodbyes when they laid her to rest at a short funeral service in Msholozi on Wednesday morning, October 26, followed by a full service in the Giami Church on the KaMagugu Road.
Jones was tragically killed and her partner, Julio Baumgat, critically injured in a shooting in Nelsville on Thursday night, October 20.
The young deputy sheriff was a well-loved member of the Mbombela community and was remembered fondly by those who knew her.
“Michelle was a lovely soul with a beautiful, shy smile,” said Pamla Baumgat, Julio’s sister. “She was loving and always ready to lend a helping hand. She loved kids, she spent most of her time with her partner, Julio, or with her books. She was very academic.”
Pamla said Jones had a BCom law degree and was finishing up her last two subjects in order to obtain her LLB.
“She was passionate in all she did. She will be missed at all family gatherings for her contagious laughter. Our children will also miss their long chats with her,” she said.
Julio's other sister, another dear friend of Jones’s, Chanti da Silva, said Jones would always be dear to her heart. “I miss you so much, I miss our laughs and late-night chats. You will always hold a special place in my heart, my sister. No amount of time can heal the sorrow of your passing.”
Rochelle Lephoko, Julio’s third sister and also a friend of Jones, said Jones was like a sister to her. "My sister, you will forever be in my heart. I love you forever. I will remember you by your shy smile.
Rest in peace, Mickey.”
Meanwhile, the man suspected of pulling the trigger and killing Jones and critically injuring Julio, is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday October 27.
The suspected gunman (34) had handed himself over to the SAPS at the Nelspruit Police Station on Tuesday afternoon, October
25. He was the second suspect to have been arrested in the case. The first was a 35-year-old man who is thought to have been with the second one at the time of the shooting.
The outcome of his court appearance was not yet known by the time of going to press.
‘I miss you so much, I miss our laughs and late-night chats. You will always hold a special place in my heart, my sister’