LIMPOPO – MEC for Transport Nakedi Kekana has paid tribute to Sergeant Rudzani Sidahela (43), one of three police officers who died in a collision on the R524 last week, describing him as a dedicated officer whose life was cut short while serving the public.

Sidahela was laid to rest on Saturday following a funeral at Tshidimbini village outside Thohoyandou. He was later buried at the Tshamutilikwa cemetery. Kekana delivered his eulogy.

Three officers died in one day

Sidahela and two fellow officers died last Tuesday while performing police duties on the R524. News of their deaths broke as the department was launching October Transport Month.

“While the proceedings were underway, we learned of the news. Three officers, in one day, gone while serving the state. We feel this pain deeply,” Kekana said.

‘A husband, father, son and brother’

In her eulogy, she emphasised that Sidahela was more than a uniform, describing him as a husband, father, son and brother.

He joined the police as a student in January 2008 and was appointed a constable in January 2009. He was promoted to sergeant on December 1, 2019.

At the time of his death, he was stationed at Tshilwavhusiku SAPS in the Vhembe district, where he performed court duties. During his career, he also served in crime prevention, sector policing and the community service centre.

“His was a life of commitment. He was a complete police officer,” Kekana said.

‘Behind every uniform is a human being’

She called on road users to learn from the tragedy, stressing that road safety remained a shared responsibility.

Quoting provincial police commissioner Jan Scheepers, who had said that “behind every uniform is a human being who is deeply loved”, Kekana added: “Today that human being is Rudzani. At 43, he still had much life to live.”

Call to motorists

She assured the police family that the department would support a thorough investigation into the collision and continue working with police to improve road safety.

“To motorists: let this tragedy be a call to action. We cannot afford to lose more lives on the R524 and our other roads. Slow down. Respect the law. Arrive alive,” she said.

The funeral was attended by deputy provincial police commissioner: corporate services Major General FM Sebola, deputy provincial commissioners, senior police officers, representatives of the Vhembe and Tshilwavhusiku police, the Sidahela family and traditional leaders from the Tshivhase clan.

Dr Maanda Ndou described Sidahela as a cheerful and loving person who is survived by his wife, three children and siblings.