SHE has been described as a people’s person, an outspoken individual who displayed characteristics of dedication and enthusiasm for her work.
Constable Nontobeko Manyoni (28) on Friday passed away after succumbing to her injuries during a freak accident on Empangeni’s Main Road when a truck overturned and plummeted into her vehicle.
Nontobeko was born into a very poor household in Nongoma, but was raised under the care of Magistrate Gabriel Kunene and his wife as her spiritual parents in Empangeni.
As a result she joined the worship team at her church, Threshing Floor Bible Church, and was subsequently raised in the church.
She attended and graduated from the Bishop Lavis SAPS Academy, whereafter she joined the Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in 2012.
She was referred to by her commander, Colonel Makhosi Ncube, as a vibrant personality.
‘When she entered a room, you automatically knew she was around. She just had a bubbly and outgoing nature.
‘She was extremely passionate about her job and about crime against woman and children.
‘I will miss her a lot. She was like my biological child.
‘The Empangeni FCS unit will not be the same without her,’ Ncube said.
A rose among the thorns
Apart from being tremendously brave at her job, Constable Manyoni was also said to have been ‘brave on the dance floor’.
According to Captain Xaba, a close colleague, she was an avid ballroom dancer and even won an award at a recent competition in Durban.
‘She also danced for the King Cetshwayo District. She was a smart dresser and a lover of good food and clothing.
‘I am speechless, it is very sad to lose such a young investigator,’ said Captain Xaba.
Constable Manyoni worked on a number of notable cases during her five years of service for the Empangeni FCS unit.
In 2015 she busted a syndicate selling children to childless women.
That same year the ZO reported on a case in which Constable Manyoni and two of her colleagues arrested a man who had escaped from the holding cells at eSikhawini Magistrate’s Court.
Last year Constable Manyoni was handed a case in which she investigated the whereabouts of an albino child who went missing from eSikhaleni.
Her investigations led to the arrest of a woman in Manguzi who had plans to sell three albino children, a case which is still in court.
Constable Manyoni’s funeral will be held on Saturday and is open to the public.
Further details regarding her funeral will be published in the ZO Weekender edition on Thursday.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
