HONOR for fallen heroes
An honourable send-off was given to some of the city’s fallen heroes.
An honourable send-off was given to some of the city’s fallen heroes – soldiers, police officers and emergency services personnel – who were killed in the line of duty.
The Johannesburg Regiment held its annual memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony on March 3 from 9am.
A parade by members of the South African Defence Force, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and Emergency Management Services (EMS) initiated proceedings.
On the list of fallen heroes were:
• SS Khanyile (JMPD)
• L Shikwambana (JMPD)
• CN Radebe (JMPD)
• AR Meso (JMPD)
• M Hlomuka (JMPD)
• ZL Nelani (JMPD)
• W Mokgolo (JMPD)
• S Ngoasheng (JMPD)
• TG Thobodi (EMS)
• DA Ratshikhopha (JMPD)
The City of Johannesburg speaker, councillor Vasco da Gama, could not attend, but sent his deepest condolences.
Da Gama’s said: “Remembrance in life’s passing is the truest form of love one can give, for a memory should never die and a love should live forever in the heart of another.”
He noted the addition of officer David Rasthikhopha to the list of the fallen. Ratshikhopha was killed by criminals who shot him five times. Calling him a father, husband, friend and colleague, Christians noted how unfortunate it was that officers of the law were losing their lives in such violent circumstances.
Earlier this year, officers Ngoasheng and Mokgolo were killed when an alleged drunk driver ploughed a car into them during a routine roadblock.
Another JMPD officer, whose name is still to be confirmed, was reportedly also killed by criminals recently.
Mashaba and city officials Michael Sun and Da Gama asked what kind of society turns on law enforcers who are there to protect them.
Law enforcement officials then laid the wreaths. This was followed by a salute, and the national anthem was sung in closing.
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