North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard has welcomed the R330 000 ex-gratia grant that the National Department of Police advanced as assistance towards the burial of the six police volunteers three of whom were buried in Ikageng and Kgakala today, Saturday 13 June 2009.
The heroism and selfless contribution of the young volunteers were celebrated at the respective official police funerals services attended by close to two thousand mourners. Reservist Sergeant Gaopalelwe Mohau who served as a volunteer for 12 years was described by Provincial Commissioner Lesetja Beetha and his colleagues as a role model. Mohau had two weeks before the tragic accident that took his life and those of his five colleagues recovered two illegal firearms from criminals in Itsoseng near Lichtenburg.
In paying tribute to their contribution, MEC Yawa hailed them as “heroes of our times.” He referred to police volunteers as selfless and dedicated servants of the people, community development workers, defenders and protectors of the weak, young, old and the vulnerable in communities. He said that they are ambassadors of peace and agents of safety and security in communities.
“We should honour their memories by together intensifying the fight against crime, in order to make sure that criminals are uprooted from our communities. Our people deserve peaceful and safe neighbourhoods in order to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution.” MEC Yawa appealed in his address at the joint funeral service for Mohau and Reservist Constable Noah Pooe in Ikageng.
“Those who are part of crime prevention and law enforcement operations throughout the province owe it to the country, our continent and to their memories and those of their colleague, Constable Modipa who is being buried today in Kgakala to remain vigilant for us to host the Confederation Cup and the best ever Football World Cup in 2010 in a safe and secure environment.” added Yawa.
“We should rise to the occasion because now is the time and the hour to raise the black, green, gold, red and white flag on behalf of the continent during the cup of champions.” He encouraged colleagues of the deceased.
After the funeral, MEC Yawa accompanied by Rustenburg MMC for Public Safety, Boipelo Marekwa and senior police management visited the family of Constable Thabo Nkeane of Ikageng who succumbed to injuries on Wednesday at Fern Crest Hospital. Nkeane and Constables George Marumo and Stephen Sesing are to be buried over the coming weekend in Ikageng, Bloemhof and Klerksdorp respectively.
Yawa had earlier in the week called for divine intervention and prayers for the nine police volunteers who are still in hospitals in Rustenburg in condition ranging from serious to critical. Fifteen police volunteers were part of the crime prevention and law enforcement operations in preparation of the Confederation Cup matches to be played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018381 9164
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
