The Habile family wants justice for reaction officer and Randpark Ridge area supervisor Siphamandla Simon Habile who was shot and killed during a robbery in Bloubosrand.
Habile, a security officer for Proforce Security Group, was tragically shot while on duty on Saturday night, September 28, after driving another officer home.
According to James Waite, of the security company, on September 28 one of their security officers finished his ad hoc/event shift. Because there were no taxis at that time, they authorised a reaction officer, Habile, to take him home.
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“When he got close to the security officer’s home, he dropped him off. As he was turning the car around, he was approached by two unknown suspects. One produced a firearm and fired two shots at Habile. Then they pulled him out the car and robbed him. They took two cell phones and his wallet.”
Habile had been an integral member of the Proforce team for 18 years and was well loved and respected by all.
He started working for the security group as a security officer in 2006. He quickly moved through the ranks and was promoted to reaction officer in 2010. He was then further promoted to area supervisor in Randpark Ridge in 2015.
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“He was hardworking and dedicated and an integral member of our team from the start. His passing leaves a huge hole in our organization which will be extremely difficult to fill. We are all in shock and deeply saddened by his death and are carrying his friend’s, family, and colleagues in our prayers.”
Waite added that this highlights the real risks that their security officers face on a daily basis, putting their lives on the line to protect others.
“Thank you, Simon, for all you did to keep our community safe and for showing up and putting your life on the line for us. We will always be grateful for all you did.”
Habile’s passing left his family devastated. He leaves behind his mother and four siblings. He also had a wife and five children at the ages of 23, 16, 5, 3, and 2 months, and a grandchild.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Zakhele Mthethwa described Habile as a person who loved God, his family, and the people he was close with.
“We are deeply hurt as a family, and for his life to have been taken just like that, it’s not fair and it is painful. He has a two month old child that doesn’t even know him, and that will never know him.”
He added that they hope the people who killed him will be found, and for justice to be served. “As a family we also hope that Proforce will assist the family, especially the children, so that they do not suffer because their father is gone.”
Waite confirmed that the case was opened at the Douglasdale Police Station.
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