Off-duty firefighter murdered in Philippi Park robbery
A City of Cape Town firefighter has died after being assaulted in a suspected robbery while off duty, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues and city officials.
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Cape Town has been left reeling after an off-duty firefighter was killed during a suspected robbery in Philippi Park Tuesday night.
The 33-year-old firefighter and a relative were assaulted near their home in what appears to have been a robbery. Fire crews were dispatched to the scene, but despite their efforts, their colleague was declared dead on scene. His relative was transported to hospital in a critical condition.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the City had learnt of the death “with shock”.
“It is heartbreaking to lose one of our own, particularly given the circumstances,” Smith said. “On behalf of the City and the Fire and Rescue Service, I convey my deepest condolences to his family.”
Smith said the City’s Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) has been asked to assist the South African Police Service in tracking down those responsible.
“I have also asked the SSIU to assist SAPS in any way possible to track down those responsible for the officer’s death, and I call on anyone with information about this incident to please come forward,” he said.
The firefighter’s name is being withheld until his next of kin have been formally notified.
According to the City, the fallen firefighter first joined the municipality as a seasonal firefighter in 2018 before being appointed as a learner firefighter in the Fire and Rescue Service in 2020.
Fire Service management has arranged assistance for the family through the City’s Employee Assistance Programme, while counselling has also been made available to his colleagues.
Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
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