The 31-year-old armed response officer who was killed in Nomzamo last week, Siviwe Sigaya, has been described by his employers as a hard worker who climbed his way up the ranks, and who will be missed dearly.
Siviwe was shot multiple times and killed in broad daylight last Wednesday (2 March) in Nombula Street as he picked up a colleague for work. It is alleged that he was targeted for his firearm.
Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama of the Lwandle police said that the officer had stepped out of his car when he arrived at a colleague’s home, where they had a conversation.
“When the colleague went back inside his house he heard a number of shots and when he went to investigate the officer was on the ground. When police arrived on the scene the guard had passed away.”
Gama said the guard sustained bullet wounds to the upper body. He said police were investigating a murder case and are searching for two suspects.
According to Craig Austen, the Managing Director of Secure Rite Security where Siviwe was employed since July 2017, the officer was a star employee ever since he started at Secure Rite as a static guard in the Secure Rite Guarding division.
Asked to recall Siviwe’s growth within the company, Austen said that Siviwe’s dream was to one day become an armed response officer and he would often speak to armed response officers visiting his site and inquire how he could become one.
“He enrolled into a security academy and obtained his PSIRA armed response qualification as well as his firearm competency qualification to handle and use fire arms for business purposes. When he obtained his driver’s licence he applied to be transferred to the armed response division, and when a post became vacant, he started off as a trainee armed response officer. He received theoretical as well as practical training and after six months became a junior armed response officer. After another year he was promoted to a two star armed response officer. He regularly went to the monthly firearm training sessions on the shooting range as well as other training sessions.”
Austen said that they cannot divulge all details of the fateful day Siviwe was shot as this was still an ongoing investigation.
“Siviwe was a friendly person, always respectful and quick with a smile. He was a hard worker and took his job seriously. He will be tremendously missed at the Secure Rite Security family as well as by many of our clients.
“All the officers on scene that were traumatised received trauma counselling, and medical assistance as well as compassionate leave. We will (soon) arrange a motorcade in memory of our fallen officer.”
Another statement by Secure Rite reads as follows: “To Siviwe’s family, our most sincere condolences will never be enough, you have lost a very special person in your life, and we pray you will find some comfort in this difficult time.
“Once again, to all the members of public sending well wishes, we thank you and on behalf of the family, they are appreciated.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing emergency response teams and fellow security companies who stepped in to assist. Gordon’s Bay Security and GBMed – your assistance during this difficult time does not go unnoticed. We also thank the team from the police for their speedy response. Our thoughts and support are also with his colleagues, who are suffering the loss of a real hero.”
It added that the Secure Rite Team is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure that the case will be handled with care, respect, and the dignity it deserves, for the sake of his family and friends.
“Our thoughts and sincere prayers go out to the family of our fallen hero, and we will be there to assist them, wherever possible.
“This is indeed a sad day, and once again highlights the dangers of being in the line of duty in South Africa. We sincerely appreciate every single member of our staff and will continue to ensure their safety and protection in every situation possible”.. In August 2018 DistrictMail reported on the then 27-year-old Sigaya fighting for his life in hospital, following an accident near a BP service station in Somerset West. He was on duty and responding to an incident when he crashed his vehicle into a tree along Main Road, sustaining serious injuries. He was admitted to ICU at the time and soon made a full recovery.. Anyone with information on the shooting incident that claimed Sigaya’s life is urged to contact investigating officer, Constable Mfundo Soyiyo on 021 845 2060.
