Late KwaDukuza policemen commemorated

Police officers solemnly lined the walls of the Ilembe auditorium in Stanger on Thursday, surrounding the immense crowd of mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects to the two KwaDukuza policemen who were murdered last Saturday.
The memorial service for KwaDukuza policemen Student Constable Thobani Xulu and Constable Sibusiso Mthethwa, was well supported by their family, friends, and colleagues; many who were still in shock at their sudden deaths.
“They were two brothers of mine, that is all I can say,” said one of the speakers at the memorial, a colleague and close friend of both policemen, constable Amanda Ngcobo.
“We all had different surnames, but in the work we did they were my brothers,” he said.
KwaDukuza SAPS colonel Moses Faya said the officers would be greatly missed.
“I am very sorry that these two have lost their lives. They liked to laugh,” he said.
The families of the officers followed the service sadly, wiping tears away for their loved ones.
Despite the grief, during the service the hall was filled with song, as their lives were celebrated.
On Monday Lieutenant colonel Tholumuzi Mokoena (53) was arrested by the Hawks for allegedly orchestrating the murders of his colleagues.
The KwaDukuza SAPS officer made a short appearance in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Mokoena was in the vehicle with the constables and one other officer, on the R74 at around 1.30am when they stopped to investigate a red vehicle parked on the side of the road.
He claimed that three unknown men emerged from the bush and opened fire on the vehicle, killing the officers.
Mokoena will make his next appearance on February 13.