Condolences pour in for slain police officers
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, as well as the religious leaders of the two Kimberley Flying Squad members who were fatally shot on Tuesday, sent condolences and prayers to the families of the two deceased police officers.
Constable Okaetse Mandinidi, 25, and Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo, 45, were tracing a stolen vehicle when they were shot and killed by a 38-year-old suspect.
The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, said the officers had laid their lives down and acted selflessly to try and apprehend the suspect.
"We must have appreciation for the commitment and diligence of our members who place their lives on the line to secure our safety. We commend the undertaking of the national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to work hard towards securing a lengthy conviction for the perpetrator. The provincial government remains proud and indebted to all officers in blue for the selfless work they deliver," said Bloem.
The MEC also commended the colleagues of the two deceased officers, who she said continued with their duties and ensured that the suspect was apprehended.
"We extend our words of comfort to the colleagues of the two members who worked during the aftermath of this tragedy. It is a collective and dedicated effort that resulted in the success of this matter," said Bloem.
The Anglican Church, where Mandindi was a member, sent prayers of comfort to the bereaved family.
Bishop Brian Marajh, of the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman, slammed the killing of police officers and labelled it as a pattern of lawlessness.
"The killings of these two police officers, one of whom was a member of our church, have deeply shocked our community. This incident comes at a time when the murders of police officers have almost doubled in South Africa. We deplore this incident and all police killings," said Marajh.
“The lawlessness seen in the surge in deaths of police officers on duty is deeply worrying and we condemn it in the strongest of terms. The loss of the lives of members of our own community deeply saddens us. We pray that God will give their loved ones strength and comfort them in their time of mourning. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
The leadership of the Christian Revival Church (CRC) in Kimberley, where Masilo was a member, Pastor Bryan and Pastor Sanri Coetzee, said the incident has robbed them of a dedicated congregant who was always ready to spread the gospel.
Masilo's zone leaders, Pastor Thapelo and Pastor Boniswa Mohitlhi, described her as a selfless and dedicated member.
"Kedi always had a heart to help others. She always lent a helping hand to others. We will always remember her warm smile as she was friendly to everyone who crossed her path. Her compassion and kindness will never be forgotten," said Mohitlhi.
“She made a great impact in her generation as she not only diligently carried out her professional duties, but also tirelessly and obediently carried out her duties in expanding the work of the Kingdom. We will miss her dearly, but know she is at peace in the arms of the Lord.”
The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, announced during a media briefing in Kimberley on Wednesday that the two officers will receive an official burial.
"The two members died while they were on duty. We owe it to them to give them an official burial. We have consulted with both families and they have shared the same sentiments," said Cele.
