“A humble man who had passion for what he did.”
This is how Shane, the older brother of the late Const Donay Phillips (32), will always remember him.
Shane was speaking at the memorial service of his late brother who tragically died on Saturday 7 May following a shooting at the New Somerset Hospital.
Phillips, who was stationed at Sea Point Police Station, came under attack when a patient at the hospital overpowered him and shot him and two other patients (“Deplorable shooting” People’s Post 10 May).
Phillips was at the hospital guarding another patient when the incident happened.
Jean-Paul Malgas, an ex-police officer, appeared in court on Tuesday 10 May facing murder charges.
A wreath laying ceremony was held at the station on Friday 13 May followed by the memorial service at the Life Church in Sea Point.
Shane says he will remember his brother as a God-fearing man who lived his life by faith.
“He had a deep love for his family. He was very proud to be a policeman. And loved his job. He will be remembered as a gentleman who was raised in a family home that instilled in him solid values and principles that paved his way through life.”
Former colleague Const William Arnoldus says Phillips was always willing to do things for others. “He was always the one ready to pick up his colleagues if they needed a lift to the station. You could always count on him for anything.”
Sgt Bongani Mbopa, another former colleague, says still he remembers the last arrest he and Phillips executed in Sea Point.
“Whenever I was out with Constable Phillips I knew I was safe. I will miss him dearly.”
Reagen Allen, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety and Police Oversight, says the investigation around the shooting is ongoing.
“I have received assurance that the police will be providing feedback in that regard. Whenever a police officer loses his or her life, especially in the line of duty, it’s a direct attack on our democracy because police officers offer their life to serve and to protect us.”
Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape police Commissioner, addressed the family and extended his condolences to them
Patekile says: “We appointed a senior officer to investigate the circumstances around the shooting. We hope we will soon get to the bottom of that night. To the members who are still there, let’s take the baton and run the race. Take the good that Constable Phillips was doing serving the country diligently.”
Heather Tager, Sea Point Community Policing Forum Chair, says Phillips was willing to put himself on the line of duty to protect others.
“The pandemic struck us all in some way. But he tirelessly gave of himself during those trying times, always a smile, always willing to assist and go the extra mile.”
Cousin Debbie-Lynn Ruiters says: “He was a good person, always encouraging. Being an officer was always his goal. The way he died is sad because he was only 32 and his life was just starting.”
Phillips leaves behind his parents Sophia and Cornelius, brother Shane, sister-in-law Phoebee, niece Olivia and fiancé Jody.
The constable will be laid to rest in his hometown of Pacaltsdorp in George over the weekend.
