According to TimesLIVE, police have confirmed the unfortunate death of one of the investigators involved in the Thabo Bester prison escape case.
The senior officer, who also held the position of provincial head of organised crime in the Free State, passed away on Monday. The circumstances surrounding the officer’s death are currently under investigation by the police.
Respecting the sensitivity of the matter, the SAPS management has chosen not to divulge any further details in the public domain.
However, the police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, did announce that internal support services, including employee health and wellness experts and chaplains, have been deployed to offer psychosocial assistance to the deceased member’s family and colleagues.
Although media reports suggest that the officer may have taken his own life, Mathe declined to confirm these claims. Nevertheless, sources close to the investigation have informed TimesLIVE that the officer tragically shot himself.
The national police commissioner, Gen Fannie Masemola, expressed his deep condolences and described the deceased officer as a hardworking, loyal and dedicated detective who had served for an impressive 31 years.
‘Over the years he has proven himself to be a highly skilled detective with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the detective environment. His departure leaves a void in the SAPS detective environment,’ acknowledged Mathe.
At this time, no additional information has been disclosed.
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Picture: Illustrated by Lisa Nelson
