Warrant Officer Mokgadi Joseas Mpepe was described as a jolly person who was dedicated to his job during his memorial service held on June 17 at the Benoni Flying Squad station.
The 53-year-old was killed following a shootout with suspects just after the N12 Ewatwa off-ramp on June 13. His colleague, Constable Nhlapo, was airlifted to the hospital after he was found unconscious with gunshot wounds.
During the memorial service, attended by his colleagues, close friends and family, speakers took turns to pay tribute to the slain officer.
One of the speakers, Sergeant Raymond Morumudi, said his colleague was a reliable person who took instructions well from his superiors.
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“He was respectful, trustworthy and disciplined. He always came to work early and will assist his superior with paperwork. We don’t know how we are going to cope without him in our shift,” said Morumudi.
Immediate shift commander Warrant Officer Riaan Nel told attendees that they will draw strength from Mpepe’s memories and will find comfort in them.
Mpepe’s nephew, Michael Manamela, said the slain officer was a loving brother who loved his family very much.
“He loved to see us as a family united and didn’t want to see anyone suffering. We will miss him,” Manamela said.
Mpepe is survived by his wife, six children and his three siblings.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele and other SAPS management visited Mpepe’s bereaved family in Thembisa on June 17.
Cele also visited the hospital where Nhlapo is receiving care.
Mpepe joined the SAPS in 1992. He worked for various police stations including Reiger Park, Ivory Park and Springs Public Order Policing (POP). In 2015 he joined the Benoni Flying Squad.
Mpepe was buried on June 19 in Bochum, Dilaeneng Section, in Limpopo.
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