Siphelele Nketo
AN Eastern Cape police detective, Lieutenant Colonel Thamsanqa Livingstone Mzimvubu (59), who was killed in the line of duty on April 22 was laid to rest last Saturday, May 2.
The funeral service at Moyeni in Libode was attended by senior police officials as well as the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Sibulele Ngongo.
In speaking at the funeral service, Ngongo condemned the police murder and said that an attack on a police officer is an attack on the entire community. The Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata delivered a eulogy in honour of the fallen officer.
“When criminals kill a police officer, they attack the very idea of a safe society. But I say to you today: We will not bow. We will not retreat. The DPCI has taken over. No arrest yet, but I give you my word: we will not rest until those two unknown men are hunted and brought before the court of law. Not for revenge. For justice,” remarked Lieutenant General Ncata.
The slain cop was the detective branch commander of Madeira SAPS in Mthatha. He was killed in the line of duty in the area of New Brighton. He was lauded for his dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment to justice over a distinguished career spanning 39 years. He joined the police in 1987 as a lance sergeant and rose through the ranks, serving in the serious and violent crime unit and the organised crime unit before being appointed as detective branch commander at Madeira SAPS. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2023.
When he was attacked, he was with his female colleague (41) who is still in hospital to be treated for her injuries.
Police confirmed that investigations into the attack are ongoing under the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
Police also appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App.
