The Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officer took his own life by shooting himself in his home in Mitchells Plain last Thursday.
The suicide of Sergeant Raoul Hugh Murray has shed light on the mental health of police officers.
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As condolences accumulated, Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, took to Facebook to share his thoughts on the matter.
‘It is essential for us to do more to look after the mental health of police officers in South Africa. It is heartbreaking to experience what feels like an increased amount of suicides, amongst members that fight such a difficult fight for us as they wear the badge. Rest in peace Sgt.’
Sergeant Raoul previously worked at the Sea Point Police Station, according to the Daily Voice.
‘From the day he arrived at Sea Point, he was a hard-working and dedicated member. Like many officers, he faced enormously stressful conditions daily, which ultimately led to mental health-related issues,’ commented Jacque Weber, the Sea Point City Improvement district chairperson.
Weber went on to say that ‘many members of the public will never know what it is like to constantly live under attack and witness the brutality and barbaric crime scenes that our officers do. The SAPS must do more to assist their officers living with the effects of being in traumatic and stressful working conditions.’
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Picture: Raoul Hugh Murray / Facebook