Brave officer killed in Doonside
The officer was shot as he responded to a crime in progress.
A DEDICATED security officer that met an early demise in the line of duty recently when responding to a robbery at a Doonside shop has been described as brave and dedicated by his employer.
Simphiwe Ntaka, 47, who joined Blue Security just over a year ago, was shot dead at Albarkat Supermarket on Saturday, February 5.
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The shop’s owner, who asked not to be named, said three men walked in at 20:30 posing as customers. There was no electricity in the area as loadshedding had started 30 minutes prior.
“One suddenly pulled the roller door shut while another one cocked a pistol, grabbed me by my arm, and demanded cash. Another one held up my assistant who was at the till and instructed him to lie on the floor while pistol-whipping him on the head. He had pressed the panic button before they made him lie down. While they were busy taking cigarettes, airtime vouchers and cash, a security officer responded, but he found the roller door shut. As he rolled it up to gain entry, they opened fire on him,” said the owner.
Ntaka died at the scene and the robbers took his service pistol. A second security response vehicle arrived and the officer was also shot at, but managed to escape. The shop’s surveillance cameras were not working as there was no power.
The robbers got away with R20 000 cash and fled into the night on foot. Blue Security’s public relations officer, Melissa Martin, said Ntaka was committed to serving and protecting the community daily.
“He was one of the bravest officers and we always be immensely proud of him. Though he is not here with us here with us, his brief time left an indelible mark in our hearts and will continue to inspire us,” said Martin.
Ntaka is survived his wife and daughter. Amanzimtoti communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said a case of business robbery and murder was opened and is under investigation. No arrests have been made.
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