Pretoria – The Police Ministry, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will prioritise the health and wellness of its police officers going forward, says the Deputy Minister of Police, Maggie Sotyu.
Speaking at a moving memorial service held for Sergeants Lesiba Sekele and Lawrence Lentsoane on Thursday, the Deputy Minister said it was time for management to discuss improving the working conditions of officers, including the sensitive issue of promotions and repealing outdated and oppressive policies.
To this end, Deputy Minister Sotyu announced that an Indaba will be held to discuss the health and wellness of officers, including protectors.
She said protectors worked long hours and spent most of their time, even holidays, away from their homes and families. This affected their social and family life.
“Protectors are privy to our private lives and they might find it difficult to voice their complaints. The Ministry, in partnership with SAPS and employee health, will hold an Indaba with all the protectors to discuss improving their work conditions,” said Deputy Minister Sotyu.
She added that it was sad that just a year ago, the SAPS were mourning the loss of four members who died on the same stretch of road.
Sergeants Sekele and Lentsoane and the Minister of Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane were killed in a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Sunday on the N1 near Polokwane.
An official memorial service was held at the SAPS Tshwane Academy in Pretoria on Thursday morning for the two Sergeants, which saw a number of high-level dignitaries attending, as well as their families and friends.
Among the dignitaries were First Lady Bongi Ngema-Zuma, African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa.
Minister Chabane’s wife, Mavis, also attended the service and paid tribute to the two Sergeants, just hours before attending her late husband’s memorial service.
Friends and family members described the two Sergeants as dedicated officers, who were loyal to their work.
Sergeant Sekele’s colleague and friend, Sergeant Chuene, who met him in 2003 during police training, said Sergeant Sekele’s leadership, ability, humour, compassion and joy will never be forgotten.
“He was a brother, a friend, family and everything to me. He was loyal to the SAPS… this is a man, who was dedicated to his job and never shied away from his responsibilities,” Sergeant Chuene said.
He said Sergeant Sekele always wanted the best not only for himself, but for everybody around him.
Family representative for Sergeant Lentsoane, Lucas Lentsoane, moved mourners to tears as he remembered how difficult it was for them growing up.
Although the family grew up under severe poverty, Sergeant Lentsoane’s mother recognised that education was the key to getting out of that situation. “There was no other alternative, it was education or without it, we were doomed in life,” said Lucas Lentsoane, fighting back tears.
He described Sergeant Lentsoane as a humble man and a man of few words, who was not in favour of the crowd but preferred a handful of good friends.
“His passion has always been within the SAPS and when I once raised my concerns about the dangers of working as a police officer, he told me that the SAPS is not a career but a calling and he was called to serve.”
He said Sergeant Lentsoane had died making a contribution to the country.
Expressing condolences to the families of the two protectors, Mavis Chabane said she had beautiful memories and stories of the two Sergeants which would will remain in her heart forever.
“Never once did I doubt their commitment to the service. I want to thank the families who endured days without their loved ones.”
She said she had the families of the protectors in her thoughts, as she mourned the loss of her husband.
Popcru President, Sizamele Cebekhulu said he had lost compatriots, who were dedicated to their work. “They devoted their lives serving the nation, these comrades set out and proved their loyalty.”
Acting Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant General Nobubele Mbekela, thanked the families of the protectors who lent their sons to serve in the police.
She urged the families to be strong during this trying time and never lose hope.
“On occasions like these, it’s important to celebrate and reminisce about the special moments we shared with them,” said Mbekela.
She added that Sergeant Sekele and Minister Chabane had bonded over their love for music, the Minister being a musician. - SAnews.gov.za
