Former police officer commended for his bravery
The Jagathlal family has commended the bravery of the former retired police officer who braved his life to save their family during a house robbery, on November 16.
A 66-year-old retired former police officer was shot and killed while trying to protect his neighbors during a house robbery in Groeneweide on Wednesday.
The Advertiser visited the family who said they were still shocked and traumatized about the tragedy that happened at their house.
According to Omitha Jagathlal, she was at work when the tragedy struck at her house.
“I was alerted by my domestic worker that there were robbers at my house. The four suspects broke the gate and made their way to the front door where the security door was closed.
“My mother-in-law (80) was relaxing on the couch when she heard the intruders shouting at her and the domestic worker to open the door,” she explained.
“The domestic worker, under apparent gunpoint, opened the security door and they entered the house, ordering my mother-in-law and the domestic worker to co-operate.
“I am still not sure what the robbers stole because we haven’t had time to thoroughly check but what I have noticed is that some of the jewelry was missing.
“It looks like they took a pillow case and put the jewelry inside the case,” said Jagathlal.
She said the former officer was alerted to the robbery when he heard the domestic worker scream.
“As far as I understand, the former officer fired a warning shot before entering onto the yard to investigate.
“The four suspects then came out of the house and a shootout occurred which left the former police officer dead.”The thugs even took the firearm of the officer.”
According to Sharm Jagathlal, they are very thankful to the officer who braved his life to save his mother and the domestic worker.
“We feel sad about what has happened that a wonderful family lost their loved one. The deceased was a very good person who assisted everyone in our community.
“He was a much respected gentleman who was known for his good deeds. This man put his life in risk just to save my family; not everyone is willing to do what this man did to for my family.
“Indeed we have lost a hero,” he said.
The family will receive counselling.
On Wednesday night the community of Groeneweide held a night vigil to remember the hero’s life.
