In a moving memorial service of the late Moffat View SAPS Detective Sergeant Tello Cedric Mohokare, held at Restoration Foundation Church in South Hills on October 5, he was hailed as a wonderful person.
Captain Jeff Phora of corporate communications SAPS Johannesburg told the Southern Courier that the deceased was off duty when the tragedy happened on October 1.
“He tried to intervene when a female businesswoman in Augusta Road, Regents Park, had an altercation with the suspect.
“There was an altercation between them and while they assaulted each other with fists, he fell to be left unconscious. Paramedics were called and he was certified dead,” he said.
Family, friends and colleagues of Mohokare gathered at the church to pay their last respects. Among those was Moffat View SAPS station commander Colonel Andrew Monegi. He described Mohokare as a respected, humble and dedicated officer.
“We are here to celebrate one of us. He was never called into my office because we never had problems with him. The family, community and Moffat View SAPS have lost immensely. God gives and God takes. In our line of duty someone can be shot 10 times or stabbed 15 times and not die, however, here in Mohokare’s case, God allowed it to happen.
“As a father to my colleagues, I need to send this warning. Not everyone loves us, we send lots of people to prison, and we’ve ruffled many feathers. So we cannot work and socialise.
“We are a small station and for me to lose a member is a lot. He was one of the members who worked hard.
“On behalf of Police Minister Bheki Cele, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, Gauteng police commissioner Elias Mawela and Johannesburg district commissioner Max Masha, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and thank you for giving us your son,” he said.
‘He loved the law’
His immediate commander, Captain Hendricks, said Mohokare was a wonderful person.
“The sad part is that his life was cut short on my birthday. We will remember him forever. I want to thank the team who arrested the suspect. Also, I want us to keep his good memory because he was a good person,” he said.
His colleague and friend Sergeant Letsoalo said he missed Mohokare. “We called him Hawks. I first met him in 2009 when he was transferred from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Booysens SAPS. I taught him the ins and outs of the city. I introduced him to lots of friends who are here today, especially Portuguese families.
“We shared an office both at Booysens and Moffat View police stations. He also introduced me to his family and I know his home in Thaba Nchu in Free State.
“I was disturbed by the incident and to the family, they must stay strong and we are still friends. To our colleagues, you know how he was, he neither complained nor got angry with anyone. He left a legacy that we need to love one another. Until we meet again, rest in peace,” he said.
Other speakers paid their respect, including Moffat View Sector 2 CPF chairperson and PRO Sagie Pillay, SAPU representative Ngobeni, Ward 56 Clr Michael Crichton and branch commander Lieutenant Colonel Mahlaela.
“I don’t believe what happened, it was an accident. I’m proud of the team at the station who worked diligently and swiftly to arrest the suspect. Mohokare was a role player,” he said.
His cousin, Pius Maruping, said Mohokare loved his colleagues.
“He was always with them, even on his off days. He loved law, order and justice. This is why he went to Vista University to study LLB although he couldn’t finish it because of financial constraints. He also joined the metro police in Cape Town.
“He was one of our best. Thank you SAPS for loving him back,” he said.
Mohokare, who served the police for 18 years, was married with two children. He will be buried in Thaba Nchu on October 8 and the service will start at 08:00.
