Officers march against #CopKillings
Members of the public were also invited to participate in the march, which was routed through Smith, Kloof and Van Buuren roads.
The Bedfordview SAPS and the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) took to the streets on Friday to march against the killing of police officers.
The march started on Bradford Road, near the Eastgate Shopping Centre, and ended at the police station.
Members of the public were also invited to participate in the march, which was routed through Smith, Kloof and Van Buuren roads.
Social Crime Prevention Officer, Constable Maphuti Kgare, said although Bedfordview had not lost a member in the recent killings of police officers by criminals, the station wanted to affirm its support to neighbouring stations.
Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, the spokesperson for Bedfordview SAPS, said the community should always know that if and when they harbour criminals in their homes, they also indirectly kill police officers.
“Those criminals who kill officers during shootouts don’t live in caves. Instead, they walk the same streets we walk and live in our communities. Those who shield them are as bad as the criminals themselves. Our safety lies in the hands of our people and they should always remember that,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
Joining the march were also officers from the Cleveland Police Station, who came out in numbers to join in the march.
The station lost an officer, Warrant Officer Sibusiso Ndlovu (48), who was fatally injured in a shootout with criminals near the Jeppe Hostel last month. W/O Ndlovu was providing back-up to on-scene officers when he was shot.
According to Constable Mpho Mashakane, the spokesperson for Cleveland SAPS, W/O Ndlovu had also been involved in a shootout with criminals earlier this year.
Another officer was shot and killed on July 31, on Karl Street, also next to the Jeppe Hostel. The officer was killed during a shootout with suspects.
Sgt Nhlabathi commended the sponsors who contributed in making the march a success.
“We are grateful to the people from Jurgens Bekkie Attorneys, who donated the food served to the officers after the march. We are also grateful to Coca-Cola Bedfordview for providing us with drinks.
The Chinese Community Policing Forum (CCPF) gave water to the officers before the march and we are grateful,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
Also present was the ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys.
She told the NEWS she was happy with the turnout but hoped for a better attendance from the community next time.
