The wife of slain Port Elizabeth policeman, Constable Dwane Kemp, has spoken about the love she has received from people from all walks of life, including from people at home and overseas and particularly her husband’s colleagues in the SA Police Service.
Kemp (31) was laid to rest on Saturday at an emotionally charged funeral at NG Kerk Hoogland in Charlo. The service was preceded by a procession of hundreds of cars and people lining the streets to show their support.
The police Constable died in hospital last Monday after being seriously wounded during a shoot-out with armed robbers in Le Bon Bakery in Central. His colleague shot and killed four suspects on the scene while a fifth who escaped was arrested on Sunday.
Speaking to Algoa FM News on Monday, Candice Kemp (27) said she has had support from all over, especially from the SAPS, friends, and family.
“It's been overwhelming and it has just made everything a little bit easier this time in my life".
Candice said she became very emotional when she saw all the people lining the streets of Port Elizabeth during the procession to the church where Police Minister, Bheki Cele, delivered an emotional address.
"It was very hard, it was very, very emotional just to see the number of people standing there, I couldn't even describe it. I had to roll up the window because I just broke down in tears to think all these people are there for him. He wasn't just important to me, he was important to society as a whole,” Kemp said.
She said that she was also comforted by the words of Police Minister Bheki Cele, who had promised her that the remaining suspect would be tracked down.
“The fact that I could feel his compassion and how he conducted his message was so strong, it definitely helped and made me feel a lot better. He was serious," Kemp said.
Police announced on Monday that the outstanding suspect was arrested on Sunday and will be appearing in court on Tuesday on several counts of murder.
“I am just happy that they went out of their way as they promised at the funeral to catch this guy. They said they wouldn’t rest until he was caught,” she said.
Candice Kemp, who has a 6-year-old daughter Jaydn, will give birth to their son Coltyn in May.
