The SAPS National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident that claimed the life of a presidential protection officer over the weekend.
“I must also clarify that what happened as we know is an accident. This accident is under investigation. The relevant accident unit together with the relevant RTMC [Road Traffic Management Corporation] will investigate the accident and once we have the outcome we will make it known to everyone,” said Masemola.
The SAPS commissioner was speaking at the memorial service held in Tshwane for Warrant Officer Thomas Shongwe who died in an accident involving the Deputy President motorcade over the weekend.
Police have confirmed 22 police deaths in line of duty in the second quarter of 2022.
A spokesperson for the Shongwe family, Dr Thomas Lukhele said the father of three was a sole breadwinner.
“As the Shongwe family it is with heavy hearts that we are standing in front of you and saying the last word about a father, brother, uncle and most of all our family. He was a sole breadwinner, a loving parent to his children and also a loving husband to his wife.
“As a family we feel like life has robbed us but we are a family that also believes in the lord. We know that God has all the power to do everything. We say everyday let thy will be done. We also know that at some stage we are going to follow him. For now we are still here, breathing and hoping that tomorrow morning we will see him. He was a loving man, dedicated to his family and doing the best he could,” he said.
A friend and colleague of Shongwe, Warrant officer Collen Maposa also paid tribute to the 56-year-old.
“For me and my colleagues, we don’t know if there is a long life or a short life. We only know that there is life. In life there is a purpose and in life there is learning. What I am saying is I am grateful and thankful for the time we had with Shongwe because to us it was enough,” said Maposa.
There were two other officers who were injured in the accident and one has been discharged from hospital.
The Acting President, Angie Motshekga and Minister of Police Bheki Cele also attended the memorial service.
