JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Johannesburg Metro Police officer Simon Mabatamela (60), who was gunned down by three assailants at Rosettenville Junction on July 27, was honoured by his peers, led by Supt Wayne Minnaar, on Thursday, July 30.
Senior police officials, MMC for Public Safety Sello Lemao, several pastors, Mabatamela family members and JMPD officers gathered at the scene of the murder, to pay respect to their fallen hero.
A cross and wreaths were laid on the spot.
Minnaar expressed his condolences to the Mabatamela family.
“We are deeply sadden by what happened to one of us. The perpetrators will be brought to book. People need to be vigilant as the criminals hang around almost everywhere,” he said.
Mabatamela was shot at when he came upon robbers trying to rob security guards from Pick n Pay of money which they were going to deposit at the bank.
He wrestled with one of the men and another shot him.
After he fell he was again shot twice in the upper body and died on the scene.
The robbers ran off with the money holder, which exploded and gave off red dye, however they still got away with all the money.
