Tearful goodbye to dedicated constable
MIDRAND – Police gather at the Bread of Life International Church in honour of their fallen colleague.
A constable from the Midrand Police Station was bid a tearful goodbye during a memorial service at the Bread of Life International Church.
Members of the Midrand police, and Sandton Police Station where he worked prior to moving to Midrand, friends and family as well as Johannesburg North Cluster General Nicholas Sithole were in attendance to mourn and remember the late Constable Justice Baloyi on 20 November. He was killed while on duty.
Station Commander Brigadier David Tsotsotso expressed his sorrow, adding that on 1 March 2016 Justice Baloyi took an oath as a police officer. “When I joined the Midrand Police Station in 2017 we were soon to receive a group of constables, and I was so happy to be receiving a new officer of his calibre.
“Even though he is no more, we are encouraged by the work that this colleague has done in the period of just three years. After Baloyi and other constables joined us we received two awards, one from the provincial commissioner and another from the MEC of Public Safety. To the Baloyi family, thank you for giving us such a dedicated cop.”
Colonel David Matlhoromela from the Midrand Police Station added it is as if they are at a junction and do not know whether to go to the left or the right. “But through everyone’s support and sympathy we will continue to serve this community, although we have lost one of our members, God will replace him.”
Midrand Community Police Forum executive chairperson Steven Johnston added that Baloyi was a dedicated and valuable member of the South African Police Service and a truly beloved member of the Midrand policing precinct. “He went out of his way to protect and serve the whole community. He will be truly missed by us all. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
General Nicholas Sithole, who also attended the memorial service, spoke highly of the late constable, adding that he was deeply touched when he got the news. “Constable Baloyi was part of a team of very dedicated members who dealt with very difficult criminals in Sandton as well as Midrand.
“I knew this man directly, I interacted with his team, this touches me because it has destroyed our legacy as he was one of the members that made me proud,” concluded Sithole.
According to Midrand Police Station spokesperson, Sergeant Matome Tlamela, on 16 November constables, Baloyi and Mashabela stopped a white Mercedes without registration number along the R55 corner Summit Road at around 1.35am in the morning. “As they got out of the vehicle, Baloyi was knocked down by another vehicle coming from the opposite side, a grey Renault.
“The driver of the vehicle stopped about 50 metres away, made a U-turn, stopped next to the deceased and started fighting Mashabela.
“According to Constable Mashabela, the driver of the Renault smelled of alcohol and was taken to a nearby clinic for blood tests.”
Tlamela concluded that a case of culpable homicide was opened and the suspect was arrested.
Details: Midrand Police Station spokesperson, Sergeant Matomela Tlamela 079 877 6484.
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