Fallen officers killed in Roodepoort CBD shooting remembered

Police in Roodepoort and Florida honoured two fallen colleagues who lost their lives in an August 8 shooting in the Roodepoort CBD, with an emotional memorial service held on Thursday, August 14.

The Hope Covenant Church in Cutten Street was packed to capacity on Thursday morning as family and friends, colleagues from various branches of law enforcement, including senior police management, and members of the public gathered to say their goodbyes to Sergeant Simon Masenya and Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa.

Both officers were highly respected and widely admired, not only within their respective police stations, but throughout the wider policing and law enforcement community.

Masenya and Sintwa were employed as detectives at Florida and Roodepoort police stations respectively.

• Also read: Manhunt launched after deadly shooting in Roodepoort

Both men were also part of the Johannesburg Trio Task Team, a special unit which investigates house robbery, business robbery, carjacking, and related crimes.

Additional chairs had to be brought into the church, and an adjacent room had to be utilised to accommodate even more people.

Outside, a large number of police officers stood around talking quietly among themselves, unable to find a seat in the packed church.

The programme was conducted by former Florida Sector 1 manager, Constable TK Motsoane, who knew both officers.

Motsoane spoke at length about the two officers, attesting to their deep commitment and dedication to their colleagues and their profession.

• Also read: Two police officers gunned down in Roodepoort

He called on communities to stop seeing police officers as their enemy.

“We keep you safe and we protect your rights. It is time for communities to realise we are not the enemy of the people.”

He also called on police management to review their operational procedures and to ensure police officers are properly equipped and armed when engaged in potentially dangerous work.

Speakers included colleagues, both from their respective police stations and from the Trio Task Team, and commanding officers, all fighting visibly to hold back tears as they paid tribute to the two men, with the gathered mourners often bursting into song when words failed to emerge.

In his turn, Florida CPF chairperson Farhaad Sardiwalla, said Masenya and Sintwa were more than just police officers.

• Read the initial article here: JUST IN: Two police officers killed in Roodepoort

“They were our friends and they were an important part of our policing family. Both officers were not only passionate, but also compassionate. Always willing to help and proud to protect our local community. Policing was more than just a job to them. They set an example and left a legacy that will not be forgotten.”

Roodepoort Regional Magistrate Delize Smith expressed her shock and horror at the brutal murders of the two officers.

“They were both well-known and loved at Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court,” she says. “They were deeply committed and highly professional police officers who always went above and beyond in fulfilling their duties.”

Police unions POPCRU and SAPU both pleaded with senior police management to improve the working conditions of police officers, to revise operational procedures and legislation to allow officers to more effectively do their jobs, and to better arm and equip police officers.

Former Florida station commander Brigadier Amos Tsotetsi made a short but powerful speech, regaling attendees with humorous tales about the two officers, and highlighting their passion for and exceptional commitment to policing.

Masenya and Sintwa’s families were too emotional to speak. Both funerals are scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 16.