Metro police officer falls to his death while pursuing robbery suspects in Kensington

The two arrests of suspects linked to a robbery on 8th Avenue are cold comfort to the colleagues of a metro police officer who died in the line of duty. 

Tyler Lamb, 30, who had reportedly fallen from a roof after a scuffle with the alleged robbers, was part of a team that pursued the suspects from a parking area, where a business premises was robbed at 12pm on Friday. 

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed the two were arrested and will appear in court once they have been charged. 

“Kensington police registered murder, attempted murder, robbery, and possession of ammunition cases for investigation following a robbery in a parking area of a business premises on 8th Avenue, Kensington, on Friday, 7 November. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.” 

Twigg confirmed Lamb died in hospital after he sustained serious injuries.

Kensington/Factreton CPF spokesperson, pastor Samuel April, said they are deeply saddened by the death of the officer.

“I was on the scene when it occurred, as I got an alert about the incident. This is a very sad situation that leaves one speechless. We salute the officer for performing his duty. Our hearts go out and we sympathise with his loved ones. We know arrests were made and pray for justice to prevail.

“Currently, the situation in Kensington leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth with the ongoing gang shootings, but we believe that we will get on top of this. We trust where we cannot see. We will be holding engagements, and we ask for all stakeholders to get involved because a community divided makes it very difficult,” said April.

Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said they were devastated by the loss of Lamb, who was a metro police neighbourhood safety officer. 

“Information at this stage is that (he) was chasing a suspect in a shooting incident across a roof. He fell as a result of a scuffle and lost consciousness. Despite the best efforts of EMTs and hospital staff, I was informed that the officer had passed away.

“This is a massive loss to the Safety and Security Directorate, and I wish to extend my condolences to his loved ones. Words mean very little at a time like this, but the Metro Police Department will provide support from the city’s side, including access to our chaplaincy services. And, while it may be cold comfort, I am informed that two suspects were later arrested,” said Smith. 

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za