‘My husband was just a number’

The family of slain Warrant Officer Ashok Ramsakkan are appealing to the SAPS to honour and motivate their men in blue, who risk their lives at every turn, rather than sing their praises after they are killed on duty.

Ramsakkan’s widow, Asha, said she felt bitter and angry during the state funeral last Wednesday at the Clare Estate Crematorium, explaining it was “unnecessary” and like a “show”.

While a police band added to the sombre mood of the day, officers in uniform marched to honour their fallen comrade, who was shot twice in the neck with an AK47 in KwaMashu last month.

It became all too much for the grieving mother of two when it was announced that the KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, was unable to attend and was represented by Brigadier Tefo Mpete.

“He said he ‘did not know this man’, referring to my husband,” said Asha. “I felt hurt and angry. To me, it showed that my husband was just another force number. The hall was full of people with memories of my husband, but they allowed someone who had no knowledge about Ashok to speak about him just because it was protocol. Don’t allow people to give tributes when they will just wing it.”

Asha said the procession was not necessary. “People came for a show. My husband recovered AK47s in Nandi Drive last year but there was no golden handshake back then.

“After each major bust, I feel recognition should be given to policemen. My husband got up early and finished work late, while we were warm in bed. He risked his life but he didn’t get to appreciate the recognition that should have been bestowed on him.

“I don’t expect anything from the police force, unless they can give me my husband back, which they can’t.”

KZN police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said the family had agreed to an official funeral.

He said due to unforeseen circumstances, the provincial police commissioner had not been able to attend.

To fuel Asha’s frustration, a medal dating back to 2010, when Ramsakkan worked during the Fifa World Cup, was handed to her.

For her, her son, Yitheen, and daughter, Yinita, it was five years too late. “Our officers need to be honoured, motivated and recognised when they are alive, not when they are dead,” she said.

“But if a policeman does something wrong, they are reprimanded and de-badged. This whole thing is tearing me apart.” She said promises were also made that the police would offer support. “Ashok’s friends have been supportive throughout, but the SAPS cannot say they are going to be there for us when we know it is an empty promise. What security are they going to offer me?

She suggested support could be provided by courtesy calls, visits and updates on the investigation.

Yitheen, also unimpressed by Mpete’s reference to his father, offered this advice for the upper echelons in the force: “I understand the police commissioner cannot be everywhere at the same time, but if you send someone as a representative, write a letter so it can be read out – whether you knew the policeman or not. But don’t get someone to start his speech with, ‘I didn’t know this person’.

“We are angry,” he said, “But we are not here to insult the police or point fingers. We are just trying to advise the State on how to handle people in this situation in the future.

“We also want them to give |police a reason to work better by motivating them. Give them the recognition they deserve. Acknowledge them. too often, we react when it’s too late.”

Asha, who maintained her composure during an interview this week, added that every time her husband, a shift commander in the Flying Squad, left home for work, he told each one of them he loved them.

“Every time he went to work, we felt insecure… Will he come back? Will he be safe? Despite our concerns, he always phoned us to see how we were, when his was the dangerous job.”

Yitheen said his father, who served 33 years in the force, was involved in the “worst incidents” and had come out |unscathed.

“My dad’s friend said they took the worst of the worst and the best of the best, and came out unscathed.

“That’s why they cannot believe he died like this.

“He and his partner were just driving in the area (KwaMashu) when they came under fire.”

He said his dad never spoke about his job.

“He dealt with things on his own. Other partners spoke about how he saved their lives, personally and professionally. We knew he was loved by all regardless of their rank.”

Yitheen said previously there were calls for the police to ‘shoot to kill’, then this was |retracted.

“There are so many |laws governing the police that they can’t do their jobs properly.”

Speaking out on how policemen should be better protected, Asha said: “Police cars are mechanically unsound compared to the perpetrators’. Why can’t their cars be modified? How is it that the perpetrators are better equipped than the police?

“The police are also under threat when deciding to use their firearms. If they use them, they will have to answer why.”

Reacting to a report about a brazen gang of armed and dangerous criminals, who called a station commander and threatened to kill every member at his station to avenge the killings of their comrades, Yitheen said: “The police should not fear anyone. If they stand together, they can take on and overcome every threat, |issue and problem that arises with the support of the community.”

In that incident, police swooped on a hideout at a hostel on Saturday, shooting three suspects, but others are on the run.Major Zwane said it was suspected they were “involved in the killing of a police officer but this is still under investigation”.

Yitheen described his dad as “humble, simple and loving”, adding that the house they lived in was designed and built by his father. Asha referred to a corner in the home, where her husband’s police hat, medals and condolence cards are kept, as a “sorrowful shrine”.