Family members, friends, pastors from faith-based organisations, councillors, community patrollers, SAPS members, retired officers, and community members gathered at Royal House International Church in Entsonelanga, Thembisa, on January 7 for the memorial service of retired Colonel Nthipe Lazarus Boloka.

Boloka, who previously served as the station commander of Tembisa South SAPS, died on January 4.

During the service, SAPS members and community stakeholders described him as a father figure who lived and spoke like a true police officer.

He was remembered as a man deeply dedicated to his calling, committed to serving his community, and grounded in his faith.

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Speakers highlighted Boloka’s role in several significant investigations, including the case involving Sergeant Rosemary Ndlovu, who was later arrested in connection with the murders of her family members.

Tributes also reflected on his hands-on approach to policing.

Community members recalled how, even when the station had no vehicles available, Boloka would patrol the Vusimuzi informal settlement on foot alongside SAPS members and community patrollers.

One community member shared an account of an incident during which Boloka, while conducting a search operation, recovered a firearm hidden inside a pot of cooked porridge at the Vusimuzi Hostel.

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Boloka was also credited with strengthening partnerships between SAPS, community patrollers, the CPF, and other stakeholders.
These collaborations played a key role in combating crime, particularly in the Vusimuzi hostels.

He lost his battle following injuries sustained in a car accident while on his way to work approximately two years ago.

Boloka joined the South African Police Service in 1989 and retired in August 2025.

He was laid to rest in Ga-Kibi, Limpopo, on January 10.