Bay police fraternity mourns loss of three respected officers
The Nelson Mandela Bay police fraternity is in shock after the death of three respected police officers, two of whom died within 24 hours of each other and the other just a few days before.
Warrant Officer Goswin Cloete, Sergeant Edward Sean Murphy and Warrant Officer Clive van Staden all succumbed to Covid-19.
Their deaths have traumatised their families, colleagues and the state prosecutors with whom they regularly came into contact.
Concerned police officers who fear for their own lives on the frontline said they had no means of protecting themselves against the “invisible enemy”.
Cloete and Van Staden passed away on Wednesday.
At the time of his death, Cloete was stationed at the Kamesh police station.
A friend and former colleague, Llewellyn de Vries, said he still clearly remembered the day he met Cloete, nearly 20 years ago.
“I learnt so much from him and I feel that I owe a lot of my success in the cases I have prosecuted due to his teachings.
“One of the most important lessons he taught me was to have patience with the public and to treat them with respect at all times.
“He loved telling stories and had a vast knowledge of the history of certain subjects like rugby and the police.
“He was such a happy-golucky person, he will be sorely missed.”
Fondly recalling the years he worked with Van Staden, Kabega Park station commander Colonel Tony Nomdoe said he was one of the humblest people he had ever met.
At the time of his death, Van Staden was stationed at the Mount Road police station. This was where Nomdoe first crossed paths with him in 2012.
“He was the best. Quiet and humble, but such a hard worker. There were days when you would not even know that he was there, but you would soon realise because his presence was reflected in his excellent and stellar work ethic,” Nomdoe said.
On Sunday afternoon, Murphy took his last breath.
He had spent his time serving the community at the Crime Intelligence Unit in Kariega. Condolences streamed in for the fallen colleague on social media platforms.
Francois Rousseau De Villiers, a forensic crime examiner, wrote: “We had great successes due to his dedication and persistence. We pray for his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Murphy started his career in the Transkei, at the former safety branch.