The SAPS National Commemoration is the day set aside to pay tribute to members who sacrificed their lives in the execution of their duties. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the National Commemoration event was held virtually from the Union Building in Pretoria and was streamed live on social media platforms. Consequently, Provinces had to hold commemoration events in their respective areas and then link up with the Union Buildings for live streaming.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Corporate Services Major General Christine Morakaladi, the Limpopo Acting HOD for Transport and Community Safety Ms Jane Mulaudzi, the Provincial Management, the Districts Management, today, Sunday 05 September 2021 warm heartedly welcomed the two families of members of the South Africa Police Service who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty between 01 April 2020 and 31 March 2021 to commemorate this day.
Our fallen heroes, Warrant Officer Mmbulaheni Mulanduli attached to Mutale Police Station and Constable Rabelane Charity Netshivambe attached to Tshilwavhusiku Police Station will eternally be remembered for their bravery and commitment to fighting crime in the province. Warrant Officer Mulanduli was attacked and stabbed to death by an inmate while he was doing routine visits in the Police cells at Mutale on 27 November 2021. Meanwhile, Constable Netshivambe was fatally shot while in pursuit of criminals who committed a spate of armed roberries in Tshilwavhusiku policing area on 26 March 2021.
The event was held at Sibasa in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District and was characterised by a short programme in which Lieutenant Colonel (Rev) Mahlangu opened with scripture reading and prayer, Major General Morakaladi rendered a welcoming address. The Acting HOD for the Department of Transport and Community Safety, gave the message of support on behalf of the MEC.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Hadebe delivered the main address as follows, “To the Mulanduli and Netshivhambe family, we appreciate your presence here today. I believe our colleagues will rest in peace knowing that you were here to receive this honour on their behalf. We value their service, brother wood, cooperation, discipline, hard work, wonderful memories and the family bonds that we created with them. They have become heroes in our book and that is why their names are permanently engraved on the memorial site in Pretoria as sign of honour and appreciation for their service to this country. We draw strength from them as our heroes and will continue from where they left knowing very well that we have equal chances of facing the same ineluctable fate, “Concluded Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Source: South African Police Service