Margaret Mogale, whose husband Johannes was allegedly beaten to death by Blue Bulls prop Jacobus "Bees" Roux last Friday, wept uncontrollably as his colleagues vented their anger at a killing that shocked the nation.

In an emotionally charged memorial service held at Tshwane's metro police headquarters yesterday, Margaret Mogale, young daughter Thato and son Boitshepo sobbed every time his name was mentioned.

Mogale's colleagues and bosses called Roux "inhuman, senseless, diabolical and barbaric", following his arrest for the fatal attack on the officer.

His youngest daughter, Oreabetswe, 3, smiled on her mother's lap, seemingly unaware of what was happening.

A relative, Richard Taukobong, said the family had not come to terms with the way Mogale died.

"It is very painful and hard for the family." he said. "This death came in a very painful manner. Our faith is in God."

After he left the podium, Taukobong took his jacket off and wept.

Mogale's bosses described him as a "cool, calm and collected" man, dedicated to his work and apologetic when at fault.

They battled to contain their emotions, and did not mince their words when speaking about Roux, who is out on R100000 bail.

Collins Letsoalo, CEO of the road traffic management corporation, criticised Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and Roux's fiancée for statements they made.

"It is an emotional time for us when you say a person can't kill a fly. What do you think the Mogales must feel, and how do you think some of us must feel?" he said.

"When the Springboks come and say we are 100% behind Roux, I shiver. The Springboks are supposed to be a national squad.

"When Peter de Villiers comes out to say we are behind Roux, not on the issue, but on the circumstances that led to the situation developing.

"What circumstances? What do the Springboks know that we don't know?"

One of Mogale's bosses, Ndumiso Jaca, accused De Villiers of dividing the nation.

"One of the uncles told me yesterday that they were not scared by Mogale's death. He said one day, we are all going to die, even the rugby player will die," he said.

Mayoral committee member Dikeledi Lehobye, who is responsible for the metro police, said Mogale's killer's behaviour was worse than that of a wild animal.

"It is painful to imagine .a person murdered with bare hands, on the hard surface of tarmac. It is painful, inhuman, senseless, diabolical and barbaric," she said.