SEDIBENG. – In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster, Kefiloe Mokhele (36) and Angelina Theletsane (58) said the the pair were nothing but dedicated cops in their profession, loving fathers and husbands to their families.
In light of the stories told by the families of the deceased Captain Shashape Theletsane (59), Warrant Officer Aaron Mfazwe (54) and Constable Timothy Mbhele (46), a family spokesman, Dabie Mbhele also added that his nephew was good hearted soul.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster at her family home Vanderbijlpark, Angelina said her husband was left with four months to retire from the service when the gruesome incident took his life.
Describing her husband, Angelina said Shashape was a soft person who loved and cared for his family.
Angelina said she last saw her husband in the afternoon on Tuesday when he left for work.
“He usually gets home around 06:15 in the morning when he worked nightshift. When this time passed, I called him, and he didn’t respond to his phone. When I was at work around 8 o’clock, two police officers came to report that there was an accident at Steelpark and my husband was part of those involved in it,” she said.
Angelina says, “We are deeply hurt by this incident. My husband was our pillar, he left his children who confided in him.”
Shashape was in the force for 34-years and was looking forward to spending his retirement with his wife.
“His retirement was all he spoke of recently. He used to tell some of his friends how he is joining them and now he is dead,” said the weeping widow.
Shashape was a father of five and grandfather of four grandkids.
Lerato Mokhele (36) widow to Aaron who was set to celebrate his 54th birthday on Monday described her husband as a very calm and quiet person.
“He was a man who loved himself. A very disciplined man who loved his family and work,” she said.
Aaron is a former soldier who had spent 14 years being a cop.
“He kept saying he served his country for 14 years as a police officer and would do anything to maintain the law.”
Lerato said her and Aaron made it a norm to call each other when they get to their respective workplaces.
“I last saw him when he was going to work on Tuesday. When I got to work, I tried to call him, but his phone rang unanswered. I kept trying until I called his colleague who couldn’t tell me where my husband was,” she said.
“I started feeling off. I sensed that something might have gone wrong. Moments later, Khulu’s (Aaron) colleagues called my bosses and asked I be released, that was a confirmation of my strange feeling,” she added.
Lerato said her husband was a father of four.
Ephraim Mbhele, a family spokesperson told the paper they received a call about Timothy on Wednesday.
“We stay in Rustenburg together with Timothy’s family. We were shocked when we received a call about the passing of my nephew. We are saddened because we didn’t expect this,” he said.
Ephraim said he hopes that justice will prevail for all the families who lost their loved ones in the accident.
“Just like all the other families, all we want is justice to be served for our beloved family members,” he said.
A memorial service set for the trio will be held this morning at the Vereeniging city hall.
