Midrand police remember colleague and friend
MIDRAND - Colleagues, family members, school principals, various organisations and community members attended a memorial service for Constable Mamodiane Thari Maelane.
Constable Maelane died after a taxi crashed into her car on Dale Road. She died instantly on the scene. The taxi driver is believed to have been texting on his phone. At the service held at Midrand Police Station on 9 April, Constable Maelane was described as a loving, disciplined, hard-working officer who had a welcoming smile for everybody. Colonel Steven Moodley said Maelane will be greatly missed by her colleagues. “I am disappointed that Maelane left us so early. She was a great colleague and her contribution to the police service and her work in the social crime prevention division was great.”
Colonel Moodley added, “Constable Maelane was committed to making the community of Midrand a safe place for everyone. In 2013 Maelane took the award for Best Social Crime Prevention Officer.”
Speakers at the memorial spoke about Constable Maelane’s work with schools and the Midrand police youth desk. “The pupils in schools that Maelane visited loved and respected her. The youth in Midrand have lost a woman who was genuinely interested in their well-being. I have lost a friend who was like a twin sister,” Constable Nanty Belebesi told mourners.
Midrand police spokesperson Constable Matome Tlamela said she was at a loss for words. “I have lost a sister and a friend. Constable Maelane left a void. We worked so closely together since 2009.”
A family representative, Steve Mohlathole, said Constable Maelane will be missed by her family. “She was our daughter and we loved her. I pray that God may comfort the family, friends and colleagues.”
A pastor who worked with Constable Maelane in the Men and Safety Promoter Programme, Dennis Shikatala, said he couldn’t believe Constable Maelane had passed on. “She was like a daughter to me. We worked closely together, my heart breaks for her family and everyone who loved and knew her. She was always cheerful.”
Midrand High School, Noordwyk Secondary School and Nokuphila School sent flowers and cards which were read at the memorial.
Constable Maelane is survived by her husband and a child who will turn one on 26 April. Constable Maelane will be buried in Limpopo on 12 April.
