“First day as a Police Officer. Two generations of protecting and serving. May God hold his protecting hand over you. Serve with pride. Proud of you, my son.”
These were the words that Brett Andrews shared on October 21, 2024, in a post on Facebook with a photo of his son, the late constable Callan Andrews (29), who was shot in cold blood while patrolling the streets of Helenvale in the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, yesterday.
This Facebook post was on the first day of Callan’s career as a Police Officer.
While the police have not yet released the name of the slain constable, social media is abuzz with people calling for “Justice for Callan” and for the community to come forward with the names of the perpetrators who shot him in the head while trying to kick-start the police vehicle he was driving in.
PE Express reported earlier today about the incident that happened in Helenvale yesterday afternoon, December 31. Const. Andrews was fatally shot when the vehicle he and his partner were driving stalled while on patrol. He was robbed of his service firearm, and the suspects remain at large.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa stated earlier that two police officers were conducting regular patrols around 17:35 in Gelvandale when their vehicle stalled on Kobus Road, Helenvale.
“While they were attempting to kick-start the vehicle, they were assisted by three community members. The driver then heard a shot being fired, and upon inspection, discovered that the constable had been shot in the head. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died,” said Lt. Col. Mawisa.
“The firearm of the deceased constable was also missing. An investigation is underway, and no arrests have been made.”
The DPCI has taken over the case for further investigation.
“The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, strongly condemns the killing of a police constable by perpetrators while he was committed to ensuring safety for all. She is calling upon the public to provide information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Lt. Col. Mawisa said.
