Memorial for Linden leader

The community of Linden gathered at the Fontainebleau Community Church on 17 March to celebrate the life of Station Commander Colonel Mabalane Mohale who passed away on 14 March.

Linden Police Operations Commander Captain Alex Vermaak said he was shocked when he received the phone call on Saturday afternoon, informing him that Col Mohale had passed away after a heart attack.

“I want to thank everyone who made time to attend today’s memorial service,” said Capt Vermaak as he welcomed people to the service.

Mohale’s obituary read as follows:

The late Colonel Mabalane Manamisa Mohale was born on the 12th of March 1962 at District Letaba Nkambako Village. He was the 3rd born of Mr and Mrs Mohale. He attended Mahwahwa High School in 1984. After school he became a language teacher in Soweto and in 1987 he joined the South African Police Service.

Linden CPF chairperson Jadd Harding talked about the difference that Col Mohale made in his life. “He (Mohale) was a gentle giant, he was always available to listen and give advice.”

A PowerPoint slide show took place in-between the speeches and it showed various photos of Mohale with his colleagues at various projects that he was involved in at Linden Police Station.

Capt Vermaak said, “I started working with Colonel Mohale in 2003 and he changed my life from the day I met him. He was always focused and a goal-driven man.”

Ward 102 councillor David Potter added, “On behalf of the residents of Ward 102 and the City of Johannesburg, our condolences go to the Linden Police Station and the family of the late Colonel Mohale, the Station Commander of the Linden Police Station. I have known Col Mohale 12 years. An incredible man with great passion for the Linden precinct, the SA Police Service and the community he served. He will be sorely missed by everyone he knew. May he rest in peace.”

The funeral service of Mohale is set to take place on 21 March at Joppie Village in Limpopo.