Warrant Officer Siyakubonga Mphakathi of the South African Police Services (SAPS) was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony in the Eastern Cape.
Lieutenant General Mohlala outlined his message to a packed tent of mourning, saying that their pain is the SAPS’ pain. He denounced Warrant Officer Mphakathi’s senseless and violent murder.
Lt Gen Mohlala promised that the SAPS would find the killers of the SAPS member and bring them to justice.
He advised the people of Cofimvaba not to hide the criminal element in their midst, but to expose it, and to work with the police through recognized mechanisms such as Community Police Forums.
Warrant Officer Mphakhathi was stationed at the Railway Police in the Western Cape, where he served his country and its people until his death.
After being fatally attacked by criminals in the line of duty, Ugambu, as he was known, died.
The officer’s funeral was place today, Saturday, June 18th, in Mncuncuzo Locality in Cofimvaba.
The SAPS Management, led by Divisional Commissioner Lieutenant General Michael Mohlala of Division Visible Policing, and Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dladla, were in attendance.
At the start of the service, his father, who is the father of six (6) children, told the mourners that he has accepted God’s will for his dear son’s death. He did admit, though, that the agony of losing his son is unbearable.
All of the local speakers, including his colleagues and Commanders, some of whom grew up with him, expressed their sorrow while characterizing him as a very humble and faithful man who was dedicated to his calling.
The Divisional Commissioner for Policing, Lt Gen Mohlala, took the podium after being presented by the Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla, and gave a message on behalf of the National Commissioner of Police, General SF Masemola.
