The life of Greenstone resident Sargeant Charles Malete Mokoena was honoured at Sebenza Police Station.
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On May 23 Mokoena’s colleagues, community members, Sebenza CPF members and security personnel held a candle lighting ceremony in the charge office and laid flowers in honour of him.
Those at the ceremony also conducted a drive through the precinct.
According to Sebenza SAPS communications officer Sargeant Sharron Tsotsotso, Mokoena was killed during an apparent hijacking in Rhodesfield on May 19 at approximately 20:30.
She said according to an eyewitness the sergeant had stopped his vehicle to drop off a passenger.
“While they were saying goodbye, two suspects approached the vehicle on the passenger’s and driver’s side. Both were armed,” said Tsotsotso.
Tsotsotso said Mokoena opened his door and was pulled out by the suspect while the passenger was forced into the back seat.
“They then heard a shot and saw Mokoena fall. He was shot in the upper abdomen. The man who shot Mokoena got into the vehicle, telling the passenger to get out.”
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The duo fled the scene. Tsotsotso said investigations are ongoing, investigated by Kempton Park SAPS.
“Mokoena’s car was recovered but his cellphone and firearm are still missing.”
The car was recovered in Church Street in Kempton Park.
Born on February 26, 1970, Mokoena was described as a passionate police officer who loved his job by often going above and beyond what was needed of him.
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He started as a reservist at Ivory Park Police Station on January 9, 2006, and was hired permanently on February 22, 2010.
On December 1, 2021, Mokoena was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
The 53-year-old served 17 years with the SAPS.
“Mokoena was a person who loved to help everyone and anyone who came to the police station.”
Tsotsotso said Mokoena had a soft spot for children.
“Sometimes he would buy a box of chocolate and he would give one to those who visited the police station with their child.”
Tsotsotso said the slain officer was humble and down to earth.
She believes if Mokoena had lived longer he would have become a national commissioner.
“At Sebenza SAPS we’ve lost a brother, a colleague and someone we could trust as he was a man of God.”
Expressing heartfelt condolences to Mokoena’s family, Tsotsotso said he will always be in the hearts and minds of those who worked alongside him.
In light of the community’s loss, Tsotsotso urged them not to park and wait inside their vehicles on the side of the road.
She encouraged them to rather pull into a property to say goodbye rather than on the side of the road.
Sebenza SAPS station commander Lieutenant Colonel Catherine van Wyngard led a flower-laying ceremony in front of the parking space frequently used by Mokoena.
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Warrant Officer Barbara Tshunungwa said a prayer as community members, colleagues and security personnel said farewell.
Wyngard thanked everyone in attendance for taking the time to be at the event
“Mokoena was like a little brother and many of you can testify to such a relationship,” said Wyngard.
“Let’s keep his joyful spirit alive at Sebenza. It’s a sad time, but let us be happy. Tears will come, but may Mokoena rest in peace.”
Following Mokoena’s death, Tsotsotso urged community members waiting for clearance certificates to visit the station.
Community members speak about Mokoena’s loss
Speaking about Mokoena’s death, representatives from Sebenza CPF and the GBV desk Renee Mott and Christie Mann said it was a tragic loss.
“It’s tragic. He is one of us and one of the good guys,” said Mott.
“He was such a gentle giant.”
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“Mann said Mokoena was the face of Sebenza SAPS. “He was good at calming down people and that no one was upset.”
Principal of Edeleen Primary School, which was Mokoena’s school as part of the Adopt a Cop project, Caswell Lekgoro said the sergeant had a good heart.
“He loved dealing with children and his job. Often he would come into my office and our discussions would extend beyond professional topics.”
Lekgoro said hearing about Mokoena’s death was sudden news.
“It came as a shock. He was a young man and we were looking forward to him serving the community and the school for a long time. He loved his family, his job and the children.”
Zanele Mbane, the principal’s personal assistant at Pinnacle College in Founders Hill, said the death of the sergeant is a great loss.
“He helped us a lot by applying and getting our police clearance certificates for new staff. Often he would save us the trip of going to the police station by visiting us.”
Mbane said the school had a close relationship with Mokoena.
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“He had such a big heart and personality. He was a loving gentleman. His death is a great loss and he will be missed sorely by all staff.”
A joint memorial service was held for Mokoena on February 24 at Hope Restoration Church.
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