The "higly skilled" officer allegedly shot and killed himself near the government garage. The investigator was seen at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein just before, in courtroom M where Judge Phillip Loubser delivered his verdict in Nandipha Magudumana's urgent application against the police, among others.

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One of the officers was visibly upset and broke down whilst in court. The officer could be heard telling his colleague "I came here just for you".

National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, told OFM News circumstances surrounding the senior officer's death, who is also the Provincial Head responsible for Organised Crime in the Free State, is now the subject of a police investigation.

Mathe says the SAPS in-house Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) experts, including chaplains and psychologists, have been dispatched to provide psychosocial services to the family and colleagues of the deceased member.

“The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, sadly confirms the death of one of the investigators of the Thabo Bester escape matter.

The identity of the deceased member will be released once all his family members have been notified," Mathe further added.

Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has described the member – who at the time of his death had 31 years of uninterrupted service – as a hardworking, loyal, and dedicated detective.

“Over the years he has proven himself to be a highly skilled detective with a wealth of experience and knowledge in crime detection. His departure leaves a void in the SAPS detective environment. “On behalf of the SAPS, our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our officer,” Masemola said.

OFM News