K9 officer Marx given hero’s send-off
Top brass laud respected police captain for his committment, empathy and bravery
Eastern Cape members of the SAPS joined police minister Bheki Cele in a final salute to K9 hero Pierre Marx, who tragically passed away last week while on duty rescuing flood victims in Horseshoe Valley.
On Saturday, January 8, Marx was attending to a report of a drowning in Horseshoe Valley together with his co-divers from the East London K9 Search and Rescue unit.
During the rescue mission Marx struggled with a strong current, which ultimately swept him away.
His body was sadly recovered in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“Captain Marx, who was attached to the East London K9 Search and Rescue Unit, was well-known and made a name for himself within the South African Police Service.
“He was also adored by the community for his heroic rescue activities within the province,” said Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana.
“Captain Marx was well-respected for his commitment and empathetic disposition towards the plight of the people.
”His heroic search and rescue activities also earned him several accolades, including the SAPS Silver Cross for bravery.”
Provincial commissioner of the Eastern Cape Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene described the late K9 hero as a “true servant” and a
He was adored by the community for his heroic rescue activities within the province.
committed patriot of the South African Police Service.
Mene extended her condolences to his family, as well as his colleagues, for losing such an exemplary officer who served the service with distinction during his 32 years.
Deputy national commissioner for policing Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola expressed some comforting words to the Marx family.
He said the South African Police Service had lost a colleague who was irreplaceable, thanks to Marx’s level of skills that he accumulated over the years, which Masemola said were not easy to achieve.
Masemola concluded with a message to Marx’s colleagues: “Continue to serve your communities and ensure that your efforts are towards community satisfaction.”