Police officers join the community of Dobsonville in remembering constable Akani Mongwe who was killed in the line of duty

It was a very emotional and sombre mood as the community of Dobsonville remembered the late constable Akani Mongwe. Police officers and union members from across Soweto and the province gathered at the Lutheran Church to pay their respect to Mongwe from Protea Glen.

Described as a soldier, a friend and a father, Mongwe was stationed at the Dobsonville Police Station. He lost his life while fulfilling his duties of protecting and serving his community early this week.

The tragic loss of Mongwe’s life followed a shootout between police and suspected robbers who had allegedly bombed an ATM in Dobsonville. Another police officer, constable Aubrey Chauke also from Protea Glen is still fighting for his life in hospital.

The family, friends and colleagues are yet to come to terms with the passing of Mongwe. “It is so sad that every time a police officer reports for duty, the family and friends say their goodbyes not sure if they will see him or her again.

Mongwe and his colleagues were true soldiers who made sure that the community was always protected. He gave up his life while making sure that civilians were protected,” said Tebogo Diphoko from the South African Police Union(Sapu).

He appealed to residents to continue working with police and assist them with information that can help rid the area of crime.

Warrant officer Ellias Mogale, a radio controller for Soweto West Cluster recalled that he was the last person Mongwe spoke to before his untimely death.

“We received information that there was going to be an ATM bombing. Dedicated Mongwe was one of the police officers who responded to that call,” said Mogale.

Mongwe was born in the Limpopo province in 1987 where he completed his primary and secondary education. He had a dream of becoming a pilot when he finished school.

Joining the SAPS was a step towards realising his dream of becoming a pilot. He will be laid to rest this coming weekend in the Limpopo province where he was born.

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