Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has praised the two South African Police Services’ Tactical Response Team (TRT) members who died in a car accident recently.
He said that the two officers, constables Jones Mbambo and Charles Maphanga died as heroes as they died while they were on duty during the Overall Friday operation in Piet Retief. Shongwe was speaking during a memorial service for the two officers in Nelspruit today, 6 June 2013.
The MEC said that he was saddened by the passing on of the two officers because a lot of work that need more police officers is still yet to be done.
"TRT members and their work are close to my heart, they make an impact in all crime hot spots they visit," said the MEC.
He warned that no criminal would rest as long as there is TRT. He added that the TRT would not be dissolved in the province as some community members wished; instead, more members will be added.
Shongwe mentioned that this elite unit was able to arrest many dangerous criminals in the province and they are very helpful when it comes to matters of service delivery. He said that they must make sure that more criminals, including the notorious Pienaar "Spykos" are arrested in honour of the two fallen officers.
"As the province has embraced the slogan "Wabul’ iphoyisa, wabulal’ umphakathi", it is clear to me that the remaining members need to put more effort in fighting crime in order to close the gap left by the two," he said.
Shongwe also said that through the grace of the Lord, the two officers who are still in hospital would fully recover in order to resume their duties. Speaking in the same event, Major Tshepiso Majoro, Provincial Commander of TRT described the two officers as hardworking and committed to their work.
She said that the two officers died as heroes because they were not killed by criminals. Majoro added that the unit would not rest until they have dealt with all the dangerous criminals in the province.
Community Police Forum Provincial Chairperson Mr Kevin Pillay said that the province must appreciate the work the police put in the fight against crime. He said that the TRT is a team that is always prepared to go beyond their call of duty, and that they work hard and tirelessly to ensure safety in the province.
"The TRT has made a positive impact in our province, only those who are not law abiding citizens are against the TRT," he said.
Meanwhile, the families of deceased said that they were at peace because their children died while they were on duty protecting the people of the province from crime.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
Tel: 013 766 4055
