Honeydew police bid farewell to much-loved officers heading for retirement

Honeydew police bid farewell to departing faces on March 10.

The bravery of police officers and support from their spouses and colleagues was the theme at a packed Umlilo we Africa. Captains Balan Muthan and Johannes Mokobi, along with Warrant Officer Sibusiso Zuma said a permanent goodbye to uniformed service and their station after a combined 88 years.

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The camaraderie of these public servants was evident in the heartfelt words spoken, prayers made, and even in the dancing during festivities.
“We are losing some good people,” said Colonel Lucia Madinginye, who spoke about working with Captain Muthan since their early days at Hillbrow Police Station. The charismatic captain then moved on to the State Mortuary, Douglasdale, and finally Honeydew Police, serving as spokesperson for all.

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Captain Muthan retires at age 55 for medical reasons while Captain Mokobi retires at the mandatory retirement age of 60. Mokobi spoke of leading the serious and violent crime unit at Honeydew, and especially the gender-based violence cases he and those under him investigated.

“As a detective, we can carry so many dockets at any time. Often the suspect will disappear and the case remains open, so I asked that the victims always contact us if they see him again,” he said, urging colleagues to always be dedicated to their communities.

Warrant Officer Zuma was unable to attend as he had already moved to KwaZulu-Natal after having his leg amputated. Warrant Officer Petrus van Wyk said even after Zuma’s leg was amputated, the Warrant Officer maintained a positive attitude.

“I asked him about how he would keep going and he said ‘you do not need legs when you are on your knees all day’. I have a lot of admiration for these guys. I would keep Mokobi for another 10 years if I could,” stated Van Wyk.

Expressing warm gratitude to his colleagues, Captain Muthan said, “I have argued with many of you and I have agreed with many of you but at the end of the day I have always left with a smile. The next day you would see me and we would speak on good terms. I grew up in the police and in those days we treated each other as brothers and sisters. You watched my back and I watched yours. After my stroke, many of you prayed for me and called me when I was in the hospital, and I thank you.”

Muthan and Mokobi were seated at a table of honour with their wives who were also acknowledged for their years of sacrifice.

“We know you will now make new memories and we wish you the best,” said Colonel Barbara Kruger, raising a glass.

Colonel Madinginye gave them their final orders saying, “The Grace of God has allowed you to reach such heights. The police is in your DNA. You are dedicated officers serving your beloved country.”