WATCH: Emotional scenes at memorial service for female police officer
Speakers were overcome with emotions when they spoke about Constable Prudence Maseko-Masuku
“She had young children who still need to be looked after. She didn’t deserve to die in the manner she did.”
These words were echoed by mourners who gathered at the Daveyton SAPS hall on June 30 for the memorial service of Constable Prudence Maseko-Masuku, the female police officer who was shot dead in Putfontein on June 23.
The 34-year-old was attacked while on her way to work at Daveyton SAPS, where she worked for 10 years.
During the memorial service, attended by friends, colleagues and family, Maseko was described as a people-person who loved smiling and discipline.
South African Policing Union (SAPU) representative, Sergeant Gugu Mayisela told attendees that she got to know Maseko when both were chosen as platoon leaders while still in police training college.
“She was very sweet, down to earth and ever smiling. It breaks my heart that she lives behind two young children who have been robbed of their mother’s love,” said Mayisela.
Another speaker, Sergeant Koketso Mpongose, battled to hold back her tears when she relived moments she shared with her colleague.
“I am saddened by how she died because she never fought with anyone, she was just a happy person. We used to eat together on our lunch breaks and would come late to work because in the morning she would pick me up.
“Throughout the years our friendship developed to sisterhood, as I took her as my little sister. I will miss her dearly,” said Mpongose.
Maseko’s cousin Sindisiwe Theledi said the family is still battling to come to terms with the death of their loved one.
“The family is hurting. She was a family person and was full of love and kindness,” said Theledi.
Constable Maseko-Masuku joined the SAPS in 2012 and had worked for the Daveyton SAPS since.
She is survived by her mother, siblings and two daughters aged 14 and six.
Maseko-Masuku was buried on July 3 at Ruigtesloot in North West.
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