Simasiku Matongo, the slain police officer from Walvis Bay, continued the legacy of liberation struggle hero Greenwell Matongo.

His family members said his tragic death left a big gap in the family.

Colleagues, family and community members are still reeling in shock from the murder of Matongo.

Matongo was an investigator in the police force, and he was killed in cold blood while on duty on Wednesday. 

Videos circulating on social media indicated that the officer was trying to convince Jacques Pienaar from taking his life.

However, police say, Pienaar, who was a suspected criminal, turned the gun on Matongo and killed him.

Pienaar allegedly fled to Swakopmund, but the police found him, and he was shot in a scuffle.

For the family members of the slain police officer, the news is still surreal because there was nothing amiss a few hours before Matongo's demise.

The sergeant's death has raised questions about the safety of police officers while on duty.

"There were no signs that something could have happened; he was a person who smiled all the time. So you couldn't pick up that something was going to happen in an hour," said Bevan Malumbwa, the late Matongo's grandfather.

Officer Matongo is remembered as a peaceful people person. "He was known in Walvis Bay; you can go to every corner of Walvis Bay, and you mention the name CK, and they will tell you that we know that person. Therefore, the loss of him as the family's breadwinner is difficult to accept, as we don't believe he is gone. He left two kids, a boy and a girl, and they are staying with the mother, but he was the one responsible for taking care of these kids." 

Matongo was born in exile in Angola, and his uncle was the liberation stalwart Greenwell Matongo.

Matongo is survived by his two children, four siblings and other relatives.