The close-knit community of Mamre on the West Coast are reeling in shock after 44 year-old police sergeant Aiden Mahoney was shot dead with his own service pistol on Wednesday.

Western Cape police management say Mahoney and his partner were responding to a to a domestic violence complaint at about 12:45 at Klapmuts Street.

Upon arrival at the address, a scuffle ensued between Mahoney and a suspect, after which the suspect was able to take Mahoney’s service pistol and fatally shot him.

The suspect also opened fire on the partner,  where after the man fled the scene on foot. Mahoney’s partner was not hurt.

Provincial commissioner Thembisile Patekile expressed dismay at the senseless act.

It is disheartening that a police official responding to a complaint is shot with his own service pistol. Police are there protect community members. They should not come under attack.

Ward councillor Allister Lightburn says it is shocking that this happened in their quiet village.

He described Mahoney as a family man.

 

“He loved his wife and children very much. They were inseparable. It is tragic that something like that happened in a quiet town like Mamre.”

Mahoney lived with his wife and three children in Avondale, Atlantis.

Netwerk24 spoke to a resident who says the suspect, who is now a fugitive from the law, is a nice person who usually greeted everyone.

The Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen says police officers are not supposed to die like this.

“Those who attack or kill any law enforcement officer should be charged as someone who attacks the state, because these officers uphold our country’s laws and protect our people.”