A shining light at Sterlig gone too soon
The Wilro Park and Kagiso communities have been left with one less member of their family following the tragic death of Absolut Security officer, Mango Moses Singwane.
For some, there is always a desire to leave and move on to the next best thing, but others choose to stay where they are because of all the things they love.
Mango Moses Singwane worked as a security officer at Sterlig Retirement Village for 19 years and would likely have worked there for many more. He had become a family member to its residents, so when he didn’t show up for work on Wednesday, June 9, the entire retirement village was left distraught and in shock. Mango had passed away on his way to work when the taxi he was in collided with a cement truck in Krugersdorp at approximately 05:15.
Two of the residents at Sterlig, John and Nelie Marchbank, explained how Mango was like a part of their family, and they have been left devastated by his passing. As the Covid manager for Sterlig, and someone who is very involved in security within the village, John spent a lot of time with Mango. In the nine years that the Marchbanks have lived there, they saw Mango nearly every day. “He was like a brother to me. It is unbelievable that he is gone; he was a fantastic person,” said John, visibly struggling to hold back his tears.
Mango had become an important part of the lives of each resident. “He knew everyone by name. He could tell you their car registrations by heart. He knew everyone’s unit numbers and their families without even looking at a piece of paper. He really made an effort to get to know everyone,” John continued.
The Marchbank family reflected on the mutual respect each of the residents in Sterlig had with Mango. “Every single person in this village cried when they found out. He always helped us so much, and we will never be able to replace him,” said John and Nelie.
Mango was an employee of Absolut Security, and his job was to watch over the retirement village. Just as the Sterlig residents are heartbroken, so is the entire Absolut team. Dean Alberts explained how, as a security company, Absolut was very privileged to have Mango as a part of their ranks. “He always told me how proud he is to be an Absolut Security officer and that he enjoys working with Absolut,” said Dean, continuing to say he always wore his uniform with pride. “He was a passionate and loyal security officer who always gave 110% when he was on duty. He enjoyed his occupation and always strived to better himself. He was always willing to learn and to share his experience and knowledge with his fellow security officers. He was definitely a person you wanted in your team,” Dean continued.
“Besides being a good security officer, he was always friendly, helpful and caring towards his fellow human beings. I was always excited to visit Sterlig Retirement Village just to see Mango and be in his presence, and to have a lekker chat with him. We, as a company are so sad and are going to miss him as a colleague and friend,” he concluded.
Mango is remembered by his wife, teenage son, twin daughters and two-month-old baby. Both Absolut and the residents of Sterlig are collecting donations which they will be giving to Mango’s family to help them through this time. The Record is sending their deepest condolences to all those who knew and loved Mango.
