Heroic officers hailed during remembrance
The late Constable Akho Ndzingo’s mother Kholiswa Ndzingo says it is sad that her son was tragically shot and killed while on-duty.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
Constable Akho Ndzingo, 29, had only served six months in Khayelitsha, taking his oath to protect and serve South Africa, before being tragically killed on night patrol in Site C on June 12 last year.
A tearful Kholiswa Ndzingo, Akho's mother, laid a wreath in his honour during the SAPS national commemoration ceremony at the Union Buildings on Sunday, where fallen police officers were remembered.
Pride Masedi, widow of Warrant Officer Sello Masedi who was killed in the line of duty, was overcome with emotion during the SAPS national commemoration ceremony at the Union Buildings, where 27 fallen police officers were remembered.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
She remembered her son as a caring breadwinner for the family, who left behind a four-year-old son.
“Losing a child is heartbreaking, especially one who provided for us. His father and I are unemployed. I am incredibly proud of my son for growing up to serve all of South Africa – he was a true hero who lived to protect others. It’s just unfortunate he lost his life in such a way," she said.
She recalled that Akho was on night duty when he and his team were patrolling, and he was shot dead.
Other families of fallen officers were also in attendance, including Pride Masedi, whose husband Warrant Officer Sello Masedi was killed in the line of duty at Mohlakeng police station.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile laid wreaths at the Union Buildings in honour of the slain police officers and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
Masedi found the memorial service to be deeply comforting, saying it showed that even in death, officers are still remembered and valued as part of the country.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his keynote address, extended condolences to the bereaved families, noting that over the past two years, at least 66 police officers had lost their lives in the line of duty.
“This statistic is alarming, especially because these people might have led the SAPS to a safer, crime-free South Africa. Their sacrifice reminds us that maintaining the delicate balance between order and chaos is costly,” he said.
He paid tribute to 26-year-old Constable Boikokobetso Sonopo, who had barely a year of service.
“On patrol in Mount Fletcher on the evening of June 28, 2024, his team was ambushed. He was robbed of his weapon, his uniform, and his life. He was a young man full of promise, taken from us too soon,” Mashatile said.
He also honoured Lieutenant Colonel Pieter Pretorius, 59, a devoted father and seasoned investigator who was gunned down on January 16, 2025, just a year before his retirement.
He pledged the government support to SAPS, saying: “We are intensifying efforts to ensure your safety and to equip you adequately for the fight against crime. We are resourcing specialised units, investing in advanced technology, strengthening intelligence, and tightening laws to deal decisively with those who target police officers.”
Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, described the fallen officers as brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty in the last financial year.
He announced that September would be observed as Police Safety Month, during which awareness would be raised on safety measures for officers performing their duties.
Cape Times