Memorial service held for officer slain in Eerste River shooting
THE POLICEhave promised the family of a slain officer they will bring the perpetrators of his murder to justice. Constable Ben Koopman, 53, who was a metro police officer since 2001, was gunned down in front of his home in Eerste River on February 15 while on duty. The two armed assailants have yet to be caught.
Koopman’s memorial service took place at the Oliver Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha yesterday
Koopman is survived by his wife Katrina and four children Cerelize, Benecia, Adriene and Quilen.
JP Smith, mayoral committee member for the safety and security said that “our police officers are under siege”, with 71 officers attacked in the past 12 months.
He vowed that Koopman’s assailants would be brought to justice for “rudely taking the officer away from his family and loved ones”.
He reiterated that the Special Investigating Unit of the police as well as the Hawks are investigating the case.
Acting executive director for safety and security for the city council Wayne Le Roux consoled the family and said, “his death was the ultimate sacrifice of the highest honour” before condemning his death in the strongest.
“Constable Ben Koopman wasn’t only a colleague, he was our brother in blue and a member of the nursing community,” he added.
Acting chief of the metro police Yolanda Faro said: “It’s the willingness and passion to protect after being hurt.
“It’s a dangerous, selfless job but we will do it.
“We do not give up, if we do, it will be an insult to the memory of Constable Koopman and other fallen heroes.”
Koopman’s funeral service will be held at Eerste River High School at 9am on Saturday with the procession moving to Welmoed Cemetery for the burial.