The SAPS family joined the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele in the final salute during the funeral of the late Captain Pierre Marx who tragically passed away, while rescuing flood victims in East London last week.
The funeral service of the late Captain Marx, which was held at Calvary Christian Church in Quigney, East London on Saturday, 15 January 2022, was also attended by dignitaries, who came to pay homage to the K9 hero, among them was the Deputy Minister of Human Settlement, Mrs. Pam Tshwete.
Captain Marx, who was attached to the East London K9 Search and Rescue Unit was well-known, and made a name for himself within the South African Police Service, was also adored by the community for his heroic rescue activities within the Province.
Capt Marx was well respected for his commitment and empathetic disposition towards the plight of the people. His heroic search and rescue activities also earned him several accolades, including the SAPS Silver Cross for bravery.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene described the late K9 hero as a true servant, and a committed patriot of the South African Police Service, who was a selfless person, who put other people first. Lt General Mene also passed her condolences to his immediate colleagues for losing such an exemplary colleague, who served the Service with distinction, during his 32 years of loyal service to the South African Police Service. She further said that Capt Marx was a dependable colleague, who also excelled in other areas of his responsibilities.
The Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola parted with some comforting words, which he directed to the Marx family. He further indicated that the South African Police Service had lost an asset, which is irreplaceable, because of the level of skills he accumulated over the years are not easy to achieve. Lt General Masemola concluded with a message to Marx’s colleagues, “continue to serve your communities and ensure that your efforts are towards community satisfaction”
The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele characterised nature of the late Captain Marx’s work as an actual humanity, and the late hero as an example of human being.
“The work of this specialised unit is an actual humanity, which means our colleague, who is lying here was an example of how a human being should be, and he was also a national asset. His commitment and dedication saved many lives, including a life of the victim he saved on the day of his passing.”
In his eulogy, the Minister concluded by thanking the Marx family for allowing and supporting him throughout his career in the South African Police Service, where he horned his skills and became a national asset” .
Source: South African Police Service