Family, friends mourn Pinetown policeman
"He was a proud person and did his best to protect others."
The family and friends of of a dedicated policeman are reeling in shock following his murder at the Pinetown Police Station on Saturday morning.
Neighbourhood watches, police officials, family, friends and fellow members in blue gathered at the station on Monday to pay tribute to John Norman with a moving candle lighting ceremony.
John was charging Uzochukwu Chibuzor for dealing drugs when a van from a nearby charge office arrived, just after midnight, with two more men who had been arrested. Both were handcuffed in Stapleton Road, one for driving under the influence and the other, Siyabonga Mdunge, for obstruction of justice.
According to a police source, Mdunge (33) was being taken to a holding cell when an altercation began between him and Norman John. “He grabbed Norman’s firearm and shot him twice in the chest and once in his right arm. He died at the scene,” said the source.
Mdunge then ran towards the cell guard’s station and shot him in the stomach and the leg. “The 33-year-old man also shot his arresting officer. Both of the policemen, Constable Siyanda Mazibuko and Sgt Mondli Mkhize, are alive and recovering at St Augustine’s Hospital,” said the police source.
Chibuzor, the man being processed for drug dealing, was killed in the violent shootout. “From what I was told, Mdunge was shooting at everyone,” said the police source.
To pay tribute to the fallen hero, more than 100 people gathered at the police station, including his three children, on Monday morning. “I have lost a brother and a wonderful friend,” said W/O Venter.
“I met him in 1995, almost 20 years ago, and I never thought I would stand here and say goodbye. the shoes he wore will never be filled as they were a unique size and will leave a lasting impression.
“He was a proud person and did his best to protect others. I want to salute Johnny, our friend, and may he rest in peace,” concluded a teary-eyed Venter.
Colonel Leon Matthysen, acting station commander, offered his condolences to the family. “It is a sad day and it was a sad weekend. We still can’t believe what has happened. You can be proud of your father, the community loved him,” he concluded.
