VEREENIGING – Captain Shashape Thelletsane (59), Warrant Officer Aaron Mfazwe (54) and Constable Timothy (46) Mbhele were struck by a truck on Boy Louw and Carbon Road in Steelpark.
On Wednesday, dozens gathered at Vereeniging City Hall to bid farewell to the deceased officers.
Members shed tears, sang and chanted in honor of the trio that was stationed at Vereeniging.
During the service, colleague Daphne Mc Camel welcomed the gathered crowds.
Several officers, police organizations and friends of the deceased climbed the podium to give tribute to the deceased officers
Sergeant Mathosa Abraham who worked closely with Mbhele said “Mbhele was the only constable in their shift, and he was a very humble man. He may have been a Constable, but he was the oldest. You wouldn’t have known that he was the eldest because he was very humble”.
Abraham said when he last saw Mbhele, a colonel in their precinct asked him to teach him how to write reports.
“When I was commanded to that task, we all didn’t know this was a handover because the next day, we learnt of his passing,” he added.
Abraham said the deceased had similar characteristics which comprised of respect, humbleness and dedication for their work.
POPCRU representative Shane Mtshilibe comforted the families on behalf of the union group.
“To the families, I know it won’t be easy. The first step without them won’t be easy, the second one won’t be easy as well but the third one will be better and the Lord will be with you.
“We may always be there for your but it won’t be the same as they always been there,” he said.
Police boss Major General Zodwa Molefe comforted the families during her address.
“It is with great sadness to hear of the death of the members. I know it is difficult for the management of saps and the entire police department. ”
“To the families, this is a shock, this is a loss and this can’t be replaced. We have lost experience. We have lost frontline members,” she said.
Mayors from Emfuleni Local Municipality Sipho Radebe, Sedibeng District Mayor Lerato Maloka and political entourage graced the memorial.
Giving condolences, Radebe said, “To the families, please be comforted. To the colleagues, please don’t be demorilized by this incident, continue to forge ahead”.
