Emotions ran high and tears flowed at the Assemblies of Christ Lighthouse Community Church in Westdene on Wednesday evening as relatives, colleagues and community members gathered for a memorial service honouring two police officers who were killed in a shooting in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni.
Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Simphiwe Sibeko, 28, were remembered for their dedication and commitment to protecting the community and the country.
The memorial service was attended by Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana and other law enforcement officials.
A sombre mood filled the church as mourners paid tribute to the two officers. Community members also attended the service to celebrate their lives and offer support to their families.
Heartbroken relatives struggled to hold back their tears, while those who delivered tributes fought through their emotions to say a final goodbye to their loved ones.
The two Anti-Gang Unit officers and two civilian women were fatally shot in Reiger Park last Friday.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the officers were part of a crime prevention team conducting patrols in the area when they heard gunshots.
“After hearing gunshots, they drove towards the source of the shots, where they were allegedly ambushed,” she said.
Image: Itumeleng English/ANA Studios
Speaking on behalf of the Sibeko family, Simphiwe’s aunt said she was privileged to have shared a special bond with him.
“On behalf of the entire family, I would like to appreciate each and every individual who has come to stand with us during this difficult time. Your presence, your prayers, your messages, your visits, your support has carried us in a way that words cannot fully express,” she said.
She recalled how Sibeko had wanted to become a police officer from a young age.
“I remember calling him Phiwama when he was growing up and saying to him, ‘When you grow up, what do you want to be?’ He responded with pride: ‘I want to be a policeman.’”
She said she then asked him why.
“He said, ‘For me to remove and block all the criminals in all our streets and communities.’”
According to his aunt, Sibeko was a purposeful and driven person who lived his life with clear intention.
“He acted with clear intention. He had direction, a strong sense of meaning from a young age. He was intentional in his actions, determined, resolute, very driven and clear, focused on ensuring that his purpose in life to serve those who needed him was done,” she said.
Image: Itumeleng English/ANA Studios
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Reagan Cheslin Collis, who is accused of killing the two Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit officers in Reiger Park, appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Collis faces four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and charges of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
His case was postponed to August 25 for a formal bail application.
Collis was arrested following a multidisciplinary tracing operation that led to the recovery of two R5 rifles at the KwaDukathole informal settlement in Germiston over the weekend.
The operation was led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, with support from Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit and PRASA.
