Family, friends and colleagues paid homage to the late Sgt Maxwell Siweya (45) who was shot dead by two suspects in Joe Slovo informal settlement on March 26.
It is believed the suspects are two men the officer was tracking in connection with the murder of a man and attempted murder of a woman in the area a week previously. Tribute was paid to the late Reiger Park police officer during his memorial service, which was held at Victory Tabernacle Community Church in Reiger Park, on March 31.
The Reiger Park police officer was described as a caring, humble and dedicated policeman.
Sgt Mashudu Phathela said he started working at Reiger Police Station in 2006 and he was welcomed by Siweya who was always friendly to him. They developed a good bond as colleagues and their friendship went beyond work.
“He was a dignified policeman who went an extra mile in his duties and that’s why he was even recruited into the Crime Intelligence Division.
“We have lost an irreplaceable policeman; he didn’t leave any stone unturned when he handled a case.
“I helped him recently in a case and all the criminals that were involved were arrested because of his hard work.
“He made sure that any person who disregards law was arrested.”
Ntsako Siweya said his uncle took him in after his father died and he supported him financially and emotionally in everything he was doing. “He was committed to his duties as a policeman; he continued doing his job even after he was shot in 2019,” said Ntsako.
Glory Makhubele said she was shocked when she heard that her uncle was shot. “I’m pleading with the police to prioritise this case and arrest the criminals because it seems like the criminals who have done this have no respect for the law of South Africa.”
Community member of Reiger Park, Joe Swarts, said Siweya served the community. “He worked his way up from being a constable to a sergeant. He was one of the best detectives we knew as a community. He was our friend beyond everything,” said Swarts.
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