The wife of a policeman who was gunned down in Lavender Hill while chasing skollies learnt about his death over the radio.
Meanwhile, cops have taken two suspects in for questioning for the murder of Sergeant Donovan Prins, a member of the Crime
Prevention Unit (CPU), who was shot and killed in the line of duty in Lavender Hill on Monday.
His wife, Shaldene, who is also a SAPS member stationed at Steenberg, listened on the police radio how her husband was killed, said Police Minister Bheki Cele, who yesterday visited the family’s home in Seawinds.
“I spoke to the wife and asked if he said goodbye before he left for patrol,” Cele told journalists.
“She said no, but she heard everything over the radio - even the gunshots and hearing them calling and shouting. She was on the scene when her husband died,” Cele added as Shaldene sobbed uncontrollably.
“She feels something could have been done by colleagues, I will be looking into this
matter with management from Steenberg. We have two suspects in
custody for questioning and they are giving some direction into the investigation.”
Video: Tracey Adams/ANA
Cele was accompanied by Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) head, Major-General Jeremy Vearey, Steenberg SAPS managers and officers.
It is understood Donovan, 33, and his partner gave chase after seeing five suspicious men in Fawley Court.
The officers chased two
suspects down Grindel Avenue where they were met by gunfire.
Donovan, who was driving the vehicle, was shot at close range on the ride side of his upper body.
He was rushed to Melomed Tokai, where he died of his injuries.
Cele says since last year, 26 cops have been gunned down nationally.
VICTIM: Donovan Prins, 33
When the Daily Voice asked Cele what police will be doing for Lavender Hill residents, who just the night before had to dodge gang bullets in Stone and Constitution Courts, Cele responded: “It cannot be police alone. I met members of the community, mothers who said their sons, boyfriends and husbands are the gangsters.
“They said [we have] to work together to find an answer to end this [violence] and that they were in danger as they spoke. We will be working on increasing police (visibility).”
Donovan’s bereaved father, Richard Prins, thanked Cele for his visit.
“Every time Donovan came here on duty, we told him to be careful,” the hartseer dad said.
Prins’ sisters, Natasha and Carmen, said their brother wanted to make a difference: “He was passionate about his job and did it well.
“Whoever shot him is walking around saying he did it thinking he’s a hero, but my brother is the real hero. He died a hero and we want justice for his murder.”