Greenwood Park salutes fallen heroes
A somber mood hung over the Greenwood Park SAPS earlier today as the members honoured the dedicated men and women who sacrificed their lives for the community's safety.
EMOTIONS ran high today at the Greenwood Park SAPS when officers hosted a Memorial Day to honour their fallen heroes on National Police Day.
One of the officers remembered at the service held earlier today was W/O Sthembiso Xhakaza. Xhakaza died on 3 September last year from kidney failure.
The 52-year-old Phoenix man left behind a wife, two sons and a grandson.
According to his wife, Zibuyile Xhakaza, her husband was a dedicated policeman who was passionate about his job. “He had always dreamed of being a policeman,” she said.
His son, Nkululeko Xhakaza, said while the pain of their loss was still fresh, he felt proud that his father’s dedication was being recognised by the SAPS.
Col Mbongeni Mngadi, the station commander, fondly recalled the dedicated officer and remarked how Xhakaza fought bravely until his passing.
“To the family of W/O Xhakaza, I know that you have been touched only three months ago, but I wish to thank you for lending us your husband and father. I wish to tell you that he was and will always be valued. We recognise him as part of our family and he will therefore be sorely missed, but never forgotten,” he said.
During the ceremony, W/O Sthembiso Xhakaza’s plaque on the station’s Wall of Remembrance was revealed.
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