PHALABORWA – Police in Limpopo have bid farewell to Colonel Makhatishe Aubrey Pilusa, whose 34 years of dedicated service left a lasting legacy within the organisation.

Colleagues, senior police officials, labour union representatives, friends and family gathered at Makhushane Camp in Phalaborwa on Saturday, October 24, to pay their final respects to the 55-year-old officer, who served as chief staff officer in the office of the provincial commissioner.

Pilusa was remembered for his professionalism, humility, dependability and quiet commitment to serving others. His untimely passing was described as a profound loss to the SAPS family.

The funeral service was attended by Limpopo commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, accompanied by deputy commissioners Major General Fredriinah Sebola, Major General Lesiba Mashilo and Major General Willy Mashava, as well as other senior management members.

A career of service

Pilusa joined the police service in 1992 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a constable, sergeant, inspector, captain and lieutenant colonel before being promoted to colonel in 2024.

Throughout his career, he served at several formations and offices, including the Lebowa Police Training College, Polokwane, Namakgale, the national police head office, Phalaborwa and the provincial head office.

His responsibilities spanned human resource development and management, visible policing, supply chain management and SAPS garage administration.

Committed to professional development, Pilusa obtained a national diploma and B-Tech in policing and completed various management courses.

A respected colleague remembered

Delivering the eulogy, Scheepers described the occasion as one of the most difficult moments since his appointment as provincial commissioner in August 2026. He recalled that upon assuming office, he needed someone he could trust to ensure the Office of the Provincial Commissioner continued to operate effectively in his absence.

“And I got him,” Scheepers said, describing Pilusa as a dependable officer who carried significant responsibilities without seeking recognition.

He praised Pilusa’s humility and ability to recognise the person behind the uniform, treating everyone with dignity regardless of their position. Addressing the bereaved family, Scheepers acknowledged that no words could measure the pain of losing a loved one. He thanked them for sharing Pilusa with the police service for 34 years and assured them that they were not alone in their grief.