Fallen Tshwane cops to be honoured at Union Buildings

At the coming SAPS commemoration day at the Union Buildings, the lives of two fallen police officers, along with several others will be celebrated and remembered for their dedication and service.

On September 1, the police force will be honouring 39 late officers who died on duty.

The police host the commemoration day each year to honour those who have died in the line of duty.

This year’s commemoration honours those who died between April 2023 and March 2024.

Constable Katlego Arnold Lefaka and Sergeant Leka Philip Maja will be among the fallen officers being honoured this year.

Lefaka died on May 8, 2023. The 29-year-old was attached to the Atteridgeville police station and had completed four years of service at the time of his passing.

That day, Lefaka, along with his crew responded to a house robbery in progress in Saulsville. Lefeka sustained gunshot wounds to his head when the intruders exchanged gunfire with police. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. He was laid to rest on May 20, 2023.

“Two suspects have been arrested and already appeared in court while further investigations are still underway to trace and arrest a third suspect linked to this case. The case is still on the court roll,” said Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.

Police recovered three unlicenced firearms and ammunition at the scene. The suspects who appeared in court face charges of murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The case is still ongoing.

Lefaka leaves behind two children, the youngest being four years old at the time of his death.

“Constable Lefaka’s name will be engraved on the SAPS memorial wall at the Union Buildings to eternalise his unforgettable memory and signify the gratitude of the nation for your bravery, loyalty and the sacrifices he made to serve and protect the people of South Africa. May your soul continue to rest in peace,” Van Wyk said.

Maja was attached to the Tactical Operations Management Section within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and had completed 14 years of service at the time of his death at the age of 41.

Maja died on June 8, 2023, while responding to a tip-off regarding suspects armed with high-calibre weaponry in a house in Mamelodi.

Upon arrival, Maja and his colleagues were met with gunfire. Maja was later declared dead at the scene.

Three suspects were also fatally wounded during the incident and police recovered four pistols and three rifles.

Maja leaves behind his wife and three children, the youngest being a year old at the time of his death.

“Sergeant Maja, the SAPS flag does not fly because the wind blows it: it is flying with the last breath of every police officer who died defending it. May your soul continue to rest in peace,” said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

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