In Memory of the fallen
The Jeppestown Tragedy
At approximately 10h00 on Sunday 25 June 2006, events unfolded that would forever change the lives of 4 policemen’s families and 8 criminals. A gang of approximately 15 criminals entered the Pick ‘n Pay in Honeydew and proceeded to rob the shop and its customers. One member of the public was shot in the leg during the incident.
Police were quick to respond and apprehended 1 suspect who informed the police of the whereabouts of the other members of the gang.
An hour later, the police were led to a house in Jeppe, where the gang members were hiding. Unfortunately a bloody shootout followed. The gang opened fire and the police retreated, waiting for back up. The Special Task Force members were called in. After a bloody battle, 8 of the suspects were killed and 4 policemen died bravely doing the utmost duty, that of protecting our country against the violent crime which has become so apparent. Two other SAPS members, including one wife of a deceased policeman, were injured in the incident.
http://www.wallofhonour.co.za/jeppestown.asp
Rest in piece
Inspector Frederick "Frikkie" van Heerden (32) - West Rand Dog Unit
Inspector Nzama Victor Mathye (49) - West Rand Dog Unit
Sergeant Gert Schoeman (30) - West Rand Flying Squad
Constable Peter Francois Seaward (31) - Johannesburg Dog Unit
The Jeppestown Tragedy
At approximately 10h00 on Sunday 25 June 2006, events unfolded that would forever change the lives of 4 policemen’s families and 8 criminals. A gang of approximately 15 criminals entered the Pick ‘n Pay in Honeydew and proceeded to rob the shop and its customers. One member of the public was shot in the leg during the incident.
Police were quick to respond and apprehended 1 suspect who informed the police of the whereabouts of the other members of the gang.
An hour later, the police were led to a house in Jeppe, where the gang members were hiding. Unfortunately a bloody shootout followed. The gang opened fire and the police retreated, waiting for back up. The Special Task Force members were called in. After a bloody battle, 8 of the suspects were killed and 4 policemen died bravely doing the utmost duty, that of protecting our country against the violent crime which has become so apparent. Two other SAPS members, including one wife of a deceased policeman, were injured in the incident.
http://www.wallofhonour.co.za/jeppestown.asp
In the simple performance of duty,
They pinned on a badge,
checked their gear with a practiced eye,
and kissed their loved ones good-bye.
In the simple performance of duty,
They reported for work,
joked with their buddies at roll call,
and made their last trip down the squadroom hall.
In the simple performance of duty,
They answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.
In the simple performance of duty,
They layed down their lives,
for those in peril they tried to save,
our brave friend's went to their grave.
In the simple performance of duty,
we honor their deed,
as we carry them to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget.
Never judge or regret, what they did, In the simple performance of duty.
They pinned on a badge,
checked their gear with a practiced eye,
and kissed their loved ones good-bye.
In the simple performance of duty,
They reported for work,
joked with their buddies at roll call,
and made their last trip down the squadroom hall.
In the simple performance of duty,
They answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.
In the simple performance of duty,
They layed down their lives,
for those in peril they tried to save,
our brave friend's went to their grave.
In the simple performance of duty,
we honor their deed,
as we carry them to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget.
Never judge or regret, what they did, In the simple performance of duty.
Rest in piece
Inspector Frederick "Frikkie" van Heerden (32) - West Rand Dog Unit
Inspector Nzama Victor Mathye (49) - West Rand Dog Unit
Sergeant Gert Schoeman (30) - West Rand Flying Squad
Constable Peter Francois Seaward (31) - Johannesburg Dog Unit
