| 2024/03/25 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – The South African Police Service (SAPS) is in mourning following the passing of Captain Raesetja Eunice Mphahlele, (40), who was laid to rest in a dignified official funeral on Sunday 24 March 2024 at her home village at Dithabaneng in Ga-Mphlahlele under Lebowakgomo policing area. Captain Mphahlele passed away on Sunday, 17 March 2024, after a courageous battle with illness. Chaplain (Warrant Officer) Mokoena officiated the official funeral service. He quoted bible verse John 16:20. The funeral service, marked by the presence of high-ranking officials, representatives of various stakeholders and members of the South African Police Service paid tribute to Captain Mphahlele’s heroic deeds and selfless service. The SAPS ceremonial unit provided a guard of honour, underscoring the respect and admiration held for Captain Mphahlele within the service. Tributes flowed in recognition of Captain Mphahlele’s contributions to the organisation who served 16 years of uninterrupted service. Her career was distinguished by unmatched dedication to solving complex tasks and integrity in the face of adversity. She completed her National Diploma in Office Management and Technology at the Vaal University of Technology in 2007. She was employed by the South African Police Services in Limpopo in 2008 as the personal assistant at the Provincial Commissioner’s Office and continued working in the same position under the leadership of five Provincial Commissioners and three Deputy Provincial Commissioners. She was later promoted to the position of Chief Administration Clerk. She applied for a post of staff officer at the office of Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection, and she was fairly appointed at the rank of a Captain, the post she held until her untimely passing. Captain Mphahlele’s untimely passing is a tremendous loss to the SAPS and the nation as a whole. Provincial Head of Serious and Violent Crime Unit Brigadier Venitia Masingi as she paid tribute to the fallen heroine indicated that the component was still having a lot of plans and expectations as she was still young and vibrant. She described her as an individual who spoke with authority and respect. She thanked her for leaving them with a treasure as she worked hard to organise and prepare all the resources when they moved to the new building. Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Corporate Services Major General Christine Morakaladi encouraged everyone to celebrate her life as she sang her favourite songs alongside her only daughter and family members, which gave comfort to all the attendees. She said her spirit will continue to shine among everyone who loved her, and she will forever be missed. With deep sadness, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala who worked closely with her as his staff officer stated,” I stand before you with a heavy heart as we pay tribute to the extra ordinary life and legacy of Raesetja Eunice Mphahlele who was a dedicated and humble person. The void created by her absence will deeply be felt by all those who worked with her but her spirit will forever live in the memories we hold dearly and the lessons she imparted through her actions. Her legacy of love, kindness and service will continue to resonate within our hearts. She served as an inspiration for those who worked around her and her family. Major General Manala then comforted the bereaved family, friends and colleagues with bible scriptures: Mathew 5: 4 and Psalm 73:26. He quoted Henry David Thoreau” In your life you touched so many, in your death many lives were changed.” Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, who spoke at the service, expressed deep condolences to the family and highlighted Captain Mphahlele’s contributions to the organisation. She described her as a shining beacon who served with dedication and humility. She compared her to a striker in the soccer field, who made sure she scored all goals. ” ll the high ranking officers she worked with, she executed her tasks diligently, and even though she quickly moved up the ranks, only God knew her race will end sooner. She actively participated in events, particularly initiated by office of Provincial Commissioner without complaining utilizing her excellent organizing skills. We stand in solidarity with the family during this difficult time and pledge our continuous support. The Provincial Commissioner concluded by quoting words of renowned author Mike Angelo “People will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Ends
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