Victim’s Wife Praises Off-Duty Hero Cop in Gauteng, South Africa

The wife of a carjacking victim in Gauteng has praised the act of kindness and heroism displayed by off-duty South African policeman, Captain Maqabe, and credits him for her children still having a father.

She said Maqabe will remain a hero forever for her, her husband and her children.

“My two boys still have their father, I still have a husband and his parents still have their child… all because of ONE person’s selflessness and bravery – Captain Maqabe,” said the overjoyed wife, after her husband’s life was saved by the off-duty SAPS officer along the N12 highway.

SAPS said: “Not every police officer will continue with their work while off duty, but Captain Maqabe did, and put himself on duty to help a victim who was bleeding, after he had been hijacked and stabbed several times.”

His generosity and courage go beyond the call of duty, said SAPS, and such “random acts of kindness and heroism often go unnoticed”.

But this time, the relieved wife, and SAPS, are making sure everyone knows about the inspiring Captain. The SAPS post has already been liked by over 17,000 people since yesterday.

The victim’s wife said that last Tuesday evening her husband was hijacked on the N12 highway, in the Daveyton area, and “brutally attacked and stabbed in the chest with a knife, and in his arms with a screwdriver. He fought off the attackers and managed to get out of their grip. He ran across the highway for help.”

In a message on SAPS’ facebook page, she explained: “He stood bleeding without shoes or a shirt in the middle of the road in oncoming traffic, for a long time – NOBODY stopped! People were even swearing at him!

“But one person stopped – an off-duty policeman who had his family in the vehicle with him. Captain Sam Maqabe! He stopped and immediately assisted my husband, without any fear or prejudice.

“I received a phone call at approximately 20:15 from Captain Maqabe’s number. He gave his phone to my husband to phone me and let me know he had been hurt but was ok, he was with a policeman, who was taking him to the hospital. He allowed my husband to be in constant contact with me, as I was driving from Witbank to be with him.

“Captain Maqabe took my husband to Life Healthcare Parklands in Springs. Today, my husband is alive – not because the stab wound was not severe, or his other injuries were not serious, but because Captain Maqabe reacted swiftly and saved his life – literally!

“Later that evening at about 21:00, the captain phoned me again to reassure me that my husband was in capable hands in the hospital, and he asked me the details of the vehicle that had been hijacked, so that he could have the details circulated to trace the vehicle. I thought I would not be surprised if this same act of selflessness resulted in the vehicle being found that same night!

“The vehicle was recovered in Delmas and one of the four suspects was arrested. I was in awe of this captain, not being on duty, but still serving his country, his fellow South Africans, with so much pride! He was not even supposed to work, but he delivered a service and for that I will be eternally thankful!

“My husband is only alive because of his heroic act, and I cannot thank him enough! He is a true policeman, who did the SAPS proud. You can truly be proud of him.

The wife ended her message with a quote from Mother Teresa – “Do things for people, not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are!” Captain Maqabe did exactly that.

SAPS said on Facebook: “Captain Maqabe, the SAPS is indeed very proud of you and encourage every policeman and policewomen to follow your sterling example to uphold the good name of the South African Police Service. SAPS salute the police officer in you. #ServingOurCommunities #ServiceExcellence Salute.”