SAPS bid farewell to the late Vosloorus Constable

The Thango family, friends, Salvation Army Church and SAPS members gathered at the Christ Ambassador Church, at Ext 25, Vosloorus to say their final goodbyes to the heroic police officer, Constable Siyabonga Zama Prince Thango (32), on July 27.

Thango was fatally shot while he and a group of crime prevention officers were responding to a business robbery at Shoprite and a liquor outlet, at Vosloorus, on July 21.

He sustained a bullet wound on his head and was taken to Clinix Botshelong Empilisweni where he died.

Various speakers described Thango as a brave and energetic police officer determined to fight crime, during the memorial service organised by the Vosloorus SAPS, where he was stationed.

Sergeant Gabriel van der Westhuizen could not hold back his tears as he shared fond memories of Thango with the mourners.

Van der Westhuizen recalled the character he met when he first saw Thango at the Tshwane Pretoria West SAPS Training College in 2018.

“I have never met a humble soul with respect and dedication like my brother. I was a platoon leader in 2018, as my brother Siya was also a platoon leader from Benoni. In difficult times he would always be smiling.

“If he could see someone has a problem, he would draw that person closer to encourage that person to be happy and enjoy life.

“He encouraged colleagues to do everything to the fullest, and I can vow that in 2018 he did so with much dedication,” said Van der Westhuizen.

He said it was tough when he heard about Thango’s passing and still cannot believe it.

“I think I can speak for most of you here, we cannot believe it. It was way too soon that he was taken from us in the most undesirable fashion that one can think of.”

He took the opportunity to thank the family for lending law-enforcement a fearless force.

“Thank you for allowing this gent to train as a police officer, to be able to serve and protect the community.
“We don’t thank families enough, but on behalf of the SAPS trainees group of 2018, especially the Tshwane Pretoria West SAPS Training Collage group, we thank you for letting him be a part of us. He will forever be a part of us,” he said.

Vosloorus SAPS Vispol commander and acting stations commander Colonel Paul Mathebula said he worked closely with Thango and his colleagues during weekend operations.

“Thango was a disciplined member. He was very neat and respectful, and would never challenge your authority,” said Mathebula.

He said if you knew Thango, you would know what is meant by being operationally ready, citing that he was ready every time he came to work.

“He was ready to fight the criminals out there. He always wore his bulletproof vest, his sidearm and his R5. He was determined to ensure the community of Vosloorus was safe when he was on duty.”

He said the day he was killed, the evil criminal waited for Thango to pass and came from behind him. He realised he was not going to make it by coming in the front.

“Thango was very energetic and I loved him. We normally joked and chased each other around before we started working, just to ease the atmosphere.

“The township of Vosloorus is very violent. In most cases when they are on duty, shooting incidents take place either inside the township or on the N3,” he continued.

“For all of us, I want us to continue with our lives and make sure that we respect the contribution Thango had in our lives.”

Mathebula said their members will not rest until all the suspects are arrested.

He pleaded with the community to come together to ensure that the SAPS members are safe.

The station commander of Katlehong South SAPS (Ramokonopi) Brigadier Albertina Vesi, who spoke on behalf of the Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole in her absence, encouraged the police to do whatever they could to put the suspect behind bars.

While sharing words of comfort with the family, Vesi noted the number of police killed in their line of duty truly gives a cause to reflect as a country.

“Great officers whose backgrounds and stories are diverse as our nation itself gave their lives to protect the safety and security of the country,” she added.

“Unlike most careers, the brave men and women in blue who embark on this journey of saving lives in the law-enforcement, we go there fully knowing that one day we may be called to lay down our life in the line of duty, which is what happened to one of our own.

“To the Thango family, we thank you as the SAPS. We know it is not easy. We might ask questions, but we will not get answers. Be comforted, the fall of Thango does not mean we have to throw in the towel. We will continue going forward.”

Thango’s uncle Mboniseni Thango thanked everyone who attended the memorial service.

He said what has happened is God’s will, adding that even in situations like this God is king.

“The family would like to say to the police, even in situations like this, do not be discouraged because we are nothing without the police. We thank you and the community for comforting us. We are lost for words to thank you.”

Police investigation developments

According to the police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe two suspects aged 27 and 29, were arrested following a shootout on July 23. Police recovered three firearms.

The 27-year-old suspect sustained a gunshot wound and succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

The SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said those behind the attacks and killing of police officers must receive a maximum prison sentence as these killings are an attack on the authority of the state.

“To Constable Thango, the South African Police Service flag does not move because the wind blows it, but because of the last breath of members like you who died protecting it. Thank you for your bravery, loyalty and the sacrifices you made to serve and protect the people of the Republic of South Africa,” said Masemola in a statement.

At the time of his death, Thango had served in the SAPS for five years after he joined in 2018.

Family and friends gathered to bid their final tribute during the funeral service at Salvation Army church located at 18236 Umzukuza Street, Ext 25, Vosloorus.

Thango was laid to rest at South Park Cemetery, on July 29.