The late Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Moreo has been described as a loving husband, father and dedicated soldier by his friends and families.
These were some of the sentiments echoed at the full military funeral service of Moreo held today at the Unibo Chapel in Mahikeng, North West.
The 37-year-old Moreo, who is from Extension 39 in Mahikeng, is part of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who were killed during clashes with the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last month.
They were in the country as part of the MONUSCO and SAMIDRC missions.
Moreo’s childhood friend, Koketso Lekoma, said he had a happy soul, great sense of humour, and that they used to call him ‘Stumata’.
“We used to call him Magic because of the way he controlled the ball. He was a strict person and straightforward. He was a robust person, and a careful planner. He was not only a friend, but I regarded him as a brother and family. Itumeleng loved his family very much,” said Lekoma.
His widow, Kefilwe, said they started dating in high school and that they’ve been together for 17 years.
The couple was blessed with two children, Reneilwe and Tumisang.
He described Itumeleng as a loving and caring person.
“His love for me and the children, I’ve never doubted it. He never wanted to see any of us crying. If I cry, he will hug me, cry with me, and tell me that everything will be all right. For these past weeks, I’ve been missing those hugs. He was a mentor to our children, helping them with homework, no matter how far he was,” said Kefilwe.
She said she last spoke with her husband for a lengthy period a day before the tragic incident.
“On the 27th of January, we spoke on the phone for a long time. He later sent a video saying he loved us and that we must never forget that. On the 28th of January, my birthday, I received a present from him not knowing that he was no more.
“I was worried because he usually calls but this time he didn’t and that was so unlike him, he usually sent me a happy birthday message or sang for me. I thought it was network problems, but I only received the sad news on the 29th of January,” explained Kefilwe.
Meanwhile, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, described Moreo as a true compatriot of the African continent, adding that he dedicated his life to the struggles of African people.
“He died pursuing a noble cause, to see the people of eastern DRC living in peace and their lives going forward.
“On behalf of South Africa, the provincial government, and the people of North West in particular, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of this compatriot.
“As a province, we mourn his passing, but critically, we’re inspired by his heroism and commitment to the people of SA and our beloved continent,” remarked Mokgosi.
Moreo is survived by his widow and two children.
