An armed robbery on Sainsbury Avenue in Bedfordview turned into a fatal shooting of a Residents Reaction Group (RAG) reaction officer on duty on the evening of October 24.
RAG chairperson Marina Constas said that Nditsheni Simba (33) was reacting to an alarm activation on Sainsbury Avenue.
Also read: RAG officer dies after shoot-out with robbers in Bedfordview
“As Simba proceeded in his vehicle to the home, along with RAG manager Nitin Sharma, they saw two men jumping over a wall on Daws Road,” said Constas.
She said that Simba got out of the vehicle and grabbed the leg of one of the men climbing over the wall.
Constas said that the other suspect shot Simba.
Simba was rushed to Union Hospital in Alberton but his head wound was too severe.
He was declared dead at the hospital.
“Rag management is shattered at the news of this tragic incident. Simba was one of our best officers.
“He was a brave man just carrying out his duties to protect the residents of Bedfordview,” said Constas.
Constas said that he worked for RAG for two years and three months.
Also read: Constas now leads RAG
Simba lived in Primrose and leaves behind a wife and two children.
Constas said that there seems to be an increase in activity in upper Bedfordview, particularly around Daws Road.
“The RAG team, together with the security companies in the area and the Bedfordview CPF, have been working on random evenings conducting special operations,” said Constas.
She said that RAG will be focusing on these criminals.
“We shall not be held to ransom by them,” said Constas.
Constas said there is a R10 000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
Captain Andrè De Jager, Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, confirmed the incident.
De Jager said that the suspects managed to escape and their whereabouts are still unknown.
“Some of the goods that were taken from the house were left by the suspects on the scene,” said De Jager.
He said that Bedfordview SAPS and Cluster Trio Task team is currently investigating a murder docket.
