EAST LONDON – The South African Police Service family accompanied the late Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi to his final resting place on Thursday, 15 July 2021 in the Cambrige Cemetery, East London.
In a well-attended and moving funeral service held at Trinity Methodist Church in East London, various speakers took turn on the podium as they described him as a man who sacrificed his own life for a better life for his fellow countrymen. Both Deputy Ministers Mr Cassel Mathale and Mr Zizi Kodwa were unanimous on the tremendous and phenomenal contribution that General Mfazi made in the SAPS and the entire South Africa.
Among the mourners were the Deputy Ministers Mr Cassel Mathale, Mr Zizi Kodwa, the MEC for Community Safety, Mrs Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Kehla Sitole and top management of the SAPS. Deputy Minister of State Security Mr Zizi Kodwa and General Sitole have spoken fondly of the late Lt Gen Mfazi affectionately called (Pitso).
Lieutenant General Mfazi was described as an altruist, a legend, a true patriot and a man who was fearless in espousing his viewpoints. Comforting the family, Deputy Minister of Police Mr Mathale referred to General Mfazi as an exemplary leader who is worth emulating. He expressed gratitude to the family for allowing their Son, the husband, a Brother to many, to serve his country, with an outstanding and impeccable record. Deputy Minister Mathale also used the opportunity to encourage members of the SAPS and the family to Vaccinate. He conceded there are many negative theories out there, but members should listen to their government which cares about their well-being. Mr Mathale spoke well of General Mfazi and his liberation struggle credentials which brought the country where it is today.
The National Commissioner, General Kehla Sitole was visibly heartbroken with the loss of one of his right-hand man within the top leadership of the SAPS. On behalf of the management of the South African Police Service, he extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and to everyone who knew and worked with the late General during his illustrious career of 39-years in the South African Police Service.
The National Commissioner further described General Mfazi as an experienced and insightful leader in the law enforcement sector who always heeded the call in order to ensure that the strategic objectives of the SAPS were achieved. “He did not regard his career in the SAPS as a vocation but as his calling. As I worked very closely with him for many years and honoured him as an esteemed colleague, I can attest to the fact that every task that he executed, no matter how small, was performed with sheer passion, precision, selflessness and patriotism.”said General Sitole
He saluted him and also thanked Lt Genl Sindile Christopher Mfazi posthumously for his excellent service and commitment to the organization and every community member of the beautiful country, South Africa.
General Sitole paid a special thank you to General Mfazi’s wife and family for lending him to the SAPS, and for supporting him throughout his career and for understanding the significance of the pertinent and delicate role he had to play in ensuring that all residents of the country are and feel safe and secure.
“He will be missed by all of us and the boots he leaves behind will certainly not be easy to fill.” General Sitole concluded.
Other tributes were delivered by children and a brother who spoke positively about their family member, a husband, the father and a brother. May General Mfazi’s souls rest in eternal peace.
Source: South African Police Service