UPDATE: Response officer shot in Bluff home invasion dies
We trust the police will bring swift justice to the perpetrators who have robbed us all of a hero," said communication liaison, Andreas Mathios.
CONDOLENCES and messages are pouring in for Pumzile Fitshane (44), the Blue Security response officer who has succumbed to the gunshot wound he sustained in yesterday’s (Monday, 6 November) home invasion shooting in Maxwell Avenue on the Bluff.
We're heartbroken to announce that CPO Pumzile succumbed to gunshot wounds following yesterday's home invasion. https://t.co/Q6csm5gfxT pic.twitter.com/pnbhbYDb8F
— Blue Security (@bluesecuritydbn) November 7, 2017
Blue Security staff were left heartbroken after learning their colleague and friend had died after spending the night in a critical condition in hospital.
“Our management and staff are devastated by the loss of Pumzile, who had faithfully served Blue Security and local residents for the past three years. Our managing director Henk van Bemmelen said: ‘We are absolutely devastated to announce that Pumzile succumbed to his injuries while in hospital late last night after putting up a brave fight. He was a man who took his work seriously with dedication and commitment and who put his life on the line and lost it while protecting the innocent. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family who have lost a husband, a father and a provider. We trust the police will bring swift justice to the perpetrators who have robbed us all of a hero,” said communication liaison, Andreas Mathios.
Pumzile was shot while when he responded within minutes of a call about a home invasion in Maxwell Avenue. There he encountered a gang of eight men who had arrived in two vehicles. Two men armed with automatic rifles, who were stationed as look-outs in one of the vehicles parked in the driveway, got out and fired at him. He sustained a gunshot wound in the pelvis. A domestic worker who was alone in the house was also taken to hospital for treatment, as she was injured when she jumped over a wall to a neighbouring property to escape the gang.
READ: Security guard left critical after Bluff shooting
Armed response officer shot in the line of duty after interrupting Bluff home invasion. https://t.co/NglpQBWXiC @southlandssun @ER24EMS pic.twitter.com/o5CuclheD6
— Blue Security (@bluesecuritydbn) November 6, 2017
Captain Louise Le Roux from Brighton Beach SAPS said detectives are investigating a case of house robbery and murder. The cluster trio task team is searching for the perpetrators and informers have been activated.
Pumzile is survived by his wife and children and an account has been opened for the public to donate to his family. Donations can be made to Investec Bank, branch code 580105, account number 50006466461 with the reference ‘Pumzile’. A collection point has also been set up at 20A Beach Road on the Bluff, where locals can drop off any form of donation.
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