Armed response officer robbed of firearm, slain
THE family of a Blue Security armed response officer are struggling to come to terms with his death.
Premchand Mohanlall, 46, was shot dead while on duty, allegedly for his firearm.
Mohanlall was found dead in his response vehicle with a gunshot wound to his head on Thursday night. He had been on patrol in the vicinity of Phoenix Plaza in Durban.
Phoenix SAPS communications officer Captain Louise Naidoo said Mohanlall’s firearm had been taken from him and one spent cartridge had been found at the scene.
“The motive is robbery. A joint effort between Phoenix Trio Crime members and Kwamashu Trio Crime members led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the murder and robbery.
“Members acted on information which led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of the vehicle, a white Toyota Avanza, used in the commission of the offence.
“Members did a further follow-up which led to the arrest of a second suspect and the recovery of three firearms, one of which belonged to the deceased security officer.
“Suspects were detained and charged with murder and robbery, and a further charge of unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition,” said Naidoo.
Mohanlall’s wife, Reshma, said her family were in disbelief.
The couple would have celebrated 14 years of marriage next month.
“I feel as if my whole world has fallen apart. Even if he died in the line of duty, it is unfair to me and my family. We have lost our loved one. When we went to the scene, we couldn’t see his face. We only saw his boots, and he was covered in foil. It’s going to take us a lot of time to come to terms with this because he didn’t die naturally – he was murdered,” she said.
Mohanlall’s long-term fellow security officer Yougendhra Perumal Moodley said the brotherhood they shared was priceless.
“We worked together in the same field for over 20 years. Prem worked at many security companies. I spoke to him a week ago. I’m shocked that this has happened. He was an outstanding man who stood guard over Phoenix. Our community has lost a soldier,” he said.
Blue Security CEO Henk van Bemmelen said Premchand had worked at
the company for a decade.
“We would like to thank him for his valour and sacrifice, as he laid down his life daily to keep KZN safe. We hold our fallen hero and his family in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.