| Official Funeral of Constable Sipho Saul Mohapi | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/01/17 |
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Media Statement FREE STATE - On January 17, 2025, the funeral service of Sgt Sipho Saul Mohapi was held at the Phuthaditjhaba Multi-purpose Center. The service began with the Church bidding farewell to their soldier, followed by a series of speeches. Each speaker who addressed the gathering spoke highly of Sgt Mohapi, emphasizing his dedication to his work, his kind nature, and his ability to connect with the community. The soft-spoken Sgt was known for his love of life and his strong sense of cleanliness. A talented soccer player, he was also honored by his fellow players in Phuthaditjhaba. After an hour and a half, the official police proceedings commenced, led by Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, who invited the Provincial Commissioner to the podium. The General began by acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, stating, "It is not easy; we are burying three police officials this week. Yesterday it was Cst Motloung, today we bury Cst Mohapi, and tomorrow we will be burying Sergeant Mareletse in Heilbron, and all of them died while serving the community they loved." The General offered words of comfort, assuring his colleagues that God would be with them, and recounted the tragic events of January 4th, when the two officers were killed while responding to a house robbery in Namahadi. "Deputy Minister Mathale, Gen Tsotetsi informed me on the fourth of January 2025, that two of our members had just been killed," the General explained. "They were ambushed while responding to the call." He emphasized the impact of this loss on the Free State police force, stating, "All plans changed, and we had to assemble a team and come to Phuthaditjhaba" The team had arrested three suspects linked to the murder and were still searching for others. The General highlighted that Cst Mohapi's wife was also on duty that night, underscoring the profound impact of the incident. The General then shared details about Cst Mohapi's career, noting that the 45-year-old began as a reservist in 2007 and joined the SAPS in 2014, serving in Namahadi until his tragic death. Expressing gratitude to the family for sharing Cst Mohapi's life with the SAPS, the General stated, "His name will also be etched in the Union Buildings, but he has engraved his name in our hearts." Gen concluded her address by encouraging his colleagues with the words of Isaiah 40:31. Brigadier Makhele then invited Lt Gen Mosikili to address the gathering on behalf of the National Commissioner. Lt Gen Mosikili began by acknowledging the profound sadness of the occasion, stating, "I'm standing in front of you as a weak being, but in my heart, I'm singing a hymn 'ha le phirimile onneya boroko'. The Deputy National Commissioner urged his colleagues to stand strong against the rising tide of crime, emphasizing that the police must not allow criminals to prevail. The General highlighted Cst Mohapi as a shining star in the District of Thabo Mofutsanyane, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community. The DNC acknowledged the recent losses of police officers in the Western Cape and the growing concern about the safety of police personnel in the country. She stressed the importance of the police in protecting the community and expressed deep sympathy to the family. The DNC assured them that the SAPS would support Cst Mohapi's children, covering their educational expenses until they completed their first degree. Lt Gen Mosikili concluded her address with words of encouragement and faith, reminding his colleagues of the Psalm of David: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart" the Gen urged them to continue the fight against crime and bring those responsible for Cst Mohapi's death to justice. The DNC offered words of comfort to Cst Mohapi's wife, quoting Job 1:21, and expressed her condolences to the family. Brigadier Makhele then invited the MEC to introduce Deputy Minister Mathale. The MEC provided a brief background on the Deputy Minister, highlighting his long history of service within the ruling party. The Deputy Minister Mr Cassel Mathale expressed his gratitude to the family for their sacrifice and assured them that the SAPS would care for Cst Mohapi's children. He urged all officers to be vigilant and be combat-ready, emphasizing their right to use necessary force when confronted by armed criminals. He reiterated the importance of upholding the law and defeating crime, drawing inspiration from the words of Nelson Mandela. The Dep Minister concluded his address by paying tribute to Cst Mohapi, stating, "May your soul rest in eternal peace. Long live the spirit of Constable Mohapi, long live." Capt Mochekoana from Provincial Spiritual Services then outlined the funeral procession, concluding the official ceremony.
Cst Mohapi was also buried at the Bluegumbosch Cemetry in Phuthaditjhaba.
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