Address by the National Commissioner Riah Phiyega during the Limpopo Police Officials Memorial Service, Polokwane
Our Deputy Minister of Police MM Sotyu,
MEC of Safety,
Security and Liaison Mme Mashamba,
MEC of Agriculture Mme Semenya,
Speaker of the Legislature Honourable Elias Nong,
All my SAPS colleagues,
Families and friends of those who are no longer with us,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Greetings to you all!
Dumelang!
Ke rata go thoma ka gore go bohle bao le lahlegetšwego ke meloko le metswalle, ga go a lahlegelwa lena le letee le rena ba SAPS re lahlegetšwe ebile re bohlokong ka seo se diragetšego.
It is indeed a humbling experience to be here with you to pay tribute to four heroes in blue. Today we remember the lives of Constable Monwabisi Lawrence Setlhako, Constable Mateane John Mahlakoane, Warrant Officer Joseph Lesoka Mafane and Constable Masethe Reuben Moloto.
Their untimely deaths have left voids in our hearts. The spaces they occupied at their workstations remain vacant and no one can ever fill them in the same way that the four members used. To the family members, friends and close colleagues, we are here this afternoon to say that your loss is our loss.
They passed on in a terrible accident. They were brothers, friends, fathers and colleagues who are certainly going to be missed. Our four brothers made the ultimate sacrifice. They paid with their lives while responding to the distress and life-threatening situation of others.
They were there to protect and serve. They were there for others and little did they know that they were no longer to return home to their loved ones. It is when such a tragic incident happens that we actually have an idea of what is meant when people say that life is too short. It is sad for me and the whole organisation to have lost dedicated members this way. I'm certain that it also sad time for the communities they used to serve. It is comforting to see so many of you in the hall to provide support to the families of our fallen heroes.
On behalf of all the SAPS members, I would like to use this opportunity to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences. I know the difficult situation that the family, relatives, friends and colleagues, who have known these members personally, has been put in.
We recognise that there is no person in this world can do or say anything to change what has transpired. We can only be here to support you and encourage you to be strong and have faith and hope because our Father is always with us, especially in trying times such as these. Losing policemen and women is and will always be a setback and a sad loss to the people of South Africa.
The SAPS has lost more than 35 years’ work experience of these members combined. Looking at their ages, they still had a lot to offer the organisation. It is comforting to know that there are police officials out there whose job it is to protect us and make us feel safe at all times. This was indeed a tragic accident, but the pain inflicted on us is no less as when an official is shot down in the line of duty.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a huge loss. We also realise that those who dependent financially on the members might also be thinking about the future. How will we survive now that they are no longer with us? They might be asking themselves.
As the SAPS, although we can never fully replace what they meant to those close to them, we will provide immediate assistance as well as ensure the children of those who have passed do not miss a day of school simply because they cannot afford it. The SAPS Education Trust will assist them.
Even though we are sad, we are grateful that some of our members have survived. In fact Captain Erusmas and Constable Moloto have been discharged from hospital. We are also grateful that they were able to join us here today. We continue to pray for Constable Mongwe who is still recuperating in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.
We are also joined by the family of Mr Nel, the driver of the grocery truck who was involved in the accident. His two sons, Riaan and Jan are here. We mourn with them as they are also going through a difficult time.
When our officers experience tragedies of this nature, we also ensure that they receive the necessary psychological support so that they are mentally strong to start working again. I know that for them, just like it is for all our men and women in blue, it is not just work. It is not just a job. It is something which they love. It is about being a servant of the people and a calling which they have embraced fully.
Family members of the officers who passed on, it is difficult; difficult to accept and difficult to comprehend, but do not despair for we have a God who will never forsake us. Let us all continue to pray without ceasing. Let us all put this to Him and Him alone. As we have been given an opportunity to live, we embrace it and live fully as we continue to serve our communities.
Ladies and gentlemen, an occasion of this nature is never pleasant, but we have to honour those who, until their last day, their last breath, served, preserved and upheld the Constitution of the Republic.
Robalang ka khutšo, le tlo šala le le bagale dipelong le megopolong ya rena.
Thank you!
