Police Minister Bheki Cele attends the funeral of the late Captain Pierre Marx.
- Eastern Cape K9 search and rescue hero Captain Pierre Marx has been laid to rest.
- Police Minister Bheki Cele was on hand to pay his “last salute” to a fallen hero.
- Marx died just over a week ago after being swept away by a strong current during flooding.
The Eastern Cape SAPS family have said their final farewell to K9 search and rescue hero Captain Pierre Marx, who died last week rescuing flood victims in east London.
Marx was laid to rest at Calvary Christian Church in Quigney, east London, on Saturday.
READ | ‘Hero’ police captain dies rescuing flood victims in Eastern Cape
Among the many dignitaries present were the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele and the Deputy Minister of Human Settlement, Pam Tshwete, who came to pay their respects to a fallen “hero”.
During her eulogy, Cele had nothing but heartfelt praise for the man who will be sorely missed.
Cele said:
The job of this specialized unit is humanity. Our colleague was an example of what a human being should be and was also a national asset. His commitment and dedication saved many lives, including the life of the victim he saved on the day of his death.
During the funeral, members of the force called Marx a “true servant” and a committed patriot of SAPS.
“He was highly respected for his commitment and empathetic disposition towards the plight of people. His heroic search and rescue activities also earned him several accolades, including the SAPS Silver Cross for bravery,” SAPS added.
Marx had devoted 32 years of loyal service to the SAPS.
Police Minister Bheki Cele addressing those present at the funeral.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Nomthethelei Mene, expressed his condolences to his fellow officers for the loss of an “exemplary colleague”.
“He was a selfless person who put others first. Marx will be missed, he was a reliable colleague who also excelled in other areas of his responsibilities,” she added.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Fannie Masemola assured the Marx family that their legacy will live on forever.
Masemola said:
We have lost an irreplaceable asset. The level of skills he has accumulated over the years is not easy to achieve.
Marx was adored by the community for his heroic rescue activities in the province.
Marx died saving people swept away by floods in the Eastern Cape just over a week ago.
News24 previously reported that according to preliminary reports, Marx, 53, and his colleagues from the Eastern Cape K9 search and rescue team witnessed reports last Saturday of people being swept away by the Horse Shoe causeway. Valley in the Nahoon River.
Police Minister Bheki Cele thanked the Marx family for supporting Captain Pierre Marx throughout his SAPS career.
“Officers were able to rescue three bodies across the creek. After the successful rescue of the complainant, believed to be a local farmer, Marx fought against a strong current, despite attempts by his colleagues to save him,” said said police spokesman Brigadier. Tembinkosi Kinana.
In the closing of his eulogy, Cele thanked the Marx family for allowing him to serve and for supporting him throughout his SAPS career.
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