Langa cop slain, mom wants justice
SLAIN off-duty police Sergeant Masimthembe Jack was going to pay for his sister to go to university before his life was tragically taken at the weekend.
The 39-year-old, who served in the SAPS for more than 15 years, was shot by unknown suspects in Langa on Sunday night.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said Langa police are investigating murder. “According to reports, upon members’ arrival, they found the body of a 39-year-old off-duty sergeant in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, where he sustained gunshot wounds. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested,” Van Wyk said.
Jack’s distraught mother, Nomhle, has urged police to act swiftly in bringing justice to the family.
“My soul is torn apart. He was my only son, I have three girls. He was the father of the family, to his sisters and to his children. My daughter, the last born, is going to university next year and he had vowed to pay for her studies from his pocket.
“He was dedicated to his work and would not miss a day of work because he knew that his job was the only thing that brought food to the table.
“He had no enemies that we know of. He was loved by his friends and colleagues. We never received any reports about him being mischievous.
“What I have noticed is that the lives of police officers are at risk and this has weakened many communities because officers are being targeted by criminals,” said Nomhle.
SACP provincial secretary Benson Ngqentsu has condemned the killing.
“On behalf of the South African Communist Party in the Western Cape, we would like to send our condolences to the family of the police officer and his colleagues.
“The killing of this police officer is a reflection of the rampant crime and violence in our province. We call on the investigating officer to leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators are brought to book and successfully prosecuted so that they can rot in jail.
“Now is the time to revive organs of people’s power such as street committees, CPF and sector policing capable of rooting out criminality in our communities,”said Ngqentsu.
Anyone with information on the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.