WATCH: ‘We were excited to tell him we arrested the suspects’
'We are disappointed because we failed to protect him, says slain officer's partner
Fallen police officer Const Rudzani Khalushi (36) was honoured by his friends, family and colleagues during a memorial service at Maranatha Community Church on Thursday afternoon.
“We are disappointed because we failed to protect him,” Khalushi’s former crime prevention partner, Const Kolani Sarah Novela, told a sombre crowd.
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Khalushi died in Arwyp on February 3, after he was wounded during an armed robbery at Jet on West Street two days before.
“We were so excited to tell Khalushi we had arrested the suspects the same day,” Novela added, “but we never got the chance.”
At his memorial, Khalushi’s widow, Noncedo Prudance Nongogo, wept openly. Those around her tried to comfort her but she could not be consoled.
“Thank you for supporting our brother while duty called,” Col Alstair Subramanian told Nongogo on behalf of Kempton Park SAPS.
“And thank you to his family for lending him to the police,” Subramanian said to Khalushi’s mother, who was also present. “He has been called for higher glory.”
As the family wept, mourners sang gospel songs to comfort them. On the stage white candles flickered next to flowers and a photo of Khalushi. On the back of the funeral programme, those attending could read the policeman’s prayer:
“Lord, if some dark and dreary night I must give my life, protect my children and my wife.”
The father-of-two joined the police on July 9, 2007. He served the Kempton Park community for 11 years, in which he received three medals for his dedication to the force.
“We as the police will do everything in our power to ensure that the perpetrators are taken to court, where justice will be done. No stone will be left unturned,” Subramanian added.
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The four suspects appeared in court on Monday on charges of armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and murder.
They are Siphamandla Gcabashe (24), Goodman Gobinga (32), Andile Sandile Mthembu (21) and Khangelani Ngcongo (32). Their bail application has been postponed to February 11. For now, they remain in custody.
Khalushi’s funeral took place on Saturday in Venda, Limpopo.
