The family of slain Grassy Park police officer Ashwin Pedro, 26, said he died a hero.
Constable Pedro was shot dead after an alleged gangster grabbed his partners’ gun and fired at him in Blackbird Avenue, Parkwood, on Thursday December 1.
Grassy Park station commander Colonel Dawood Laing said the alleged gangster was known to the station and had been arrested before. The man allegedly often fought with officers who arrested him.
“The suspect is much larger than the two officers and they were overpowered and he took one of the officer’s guns and started shooting at them, fatally wounding Constable Pedro and then he escaped.”
In video footage the officers can be seen struggling to apprehend the man. The video shows Constable Pedro returning fire on the man before falling to the ground.
An Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) manhunt led to an arrest in Ravensmead, at the alleged gangster’s hideout where the firearm he took during the scuffle was also retrieved.
The 42-year-old appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, on Monday December 5, on charges of murder, armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition but the case was postponed until Tuesday December 13 to give him a chance to seek legal counsel.
Constable Pedro’s father Melvyn Pedro said his son, who is the eldest of four children, was a sweet, humble and gentle soul who stood for justice and protecting those most vulnerable.
“He was very respectful and he was a true hero to his younger siblings. He was always the peacemaker among his peers and stood for justice. He was a born policeman,” said Mr Pedro.
He recalls a time when his son arrived home with a bruised eye from Lavender Hill High School. He had jumped in a fight after a fellow pupil attacked a girl.
“That was just the type of person he was and it is a great loss for our family and for the community.”
Constable Pedro would have celebrated his 27th birthday on January 1.
“It would have been his birthday in less than a month. We will miss him, Christmas won’t ever be the same again because his place at the table will be empty and his birthday will be even more difficult,” said Mr Pedro.
Colonel Laing said Constable Pedro had been working at the station for six years.
“He was a good guy and the community and his colleagues were very fond of him. It is a great loss and we are supporting the family in whichever way we can ”
Grassy Park police spokesperson Captain Wynita Kleinsmith, who was also one of Constable Pedro’s commanders, was in court on Monday. She said he will be greatly missed.
“He was quiet but very respectful and did his work diligently. He was so young and had a bright future ahead in the force but that was all cut short.”
Mr Pedro thanked the community, family and friends for the support the family have received. He also cautioned the public about a scam on social media asking for donations.
“We discourage people from giving money to whoever started this fund-raising because we as the family are not aware of any fund-raising for his memorial or funeral service,” said Mr Pedro.
A memorial service will be held at the Grassy Park civic centre, on Wednesday December 7, at 11am, and the funeral will be on Saturday December 10.
