Lieutenant General Mene sends condolences to bereaved families – SAPS Crime Report: 2021-12-24 18:27:44

South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene has sent deepest and heartfelt condolences to bereaved families of two police officers who died in separate circumstances during the week.

This follows after the Provincial SAPS management received shocking news of the death of a former member of the SAPS, the 60 year old Colonel Bongiwe Philda Fikela who was found in her vehicle already dead, near Libode on Wednesday 22/12/2021 in the morning. Preliminary investigation indicated that she had vomited. However, the circumstances surrounding her death are currently under investigation.

An Inquest docket has been opened. The SAPS will not make speculate on the cause of death. A post-mortem and toxicology reports will be awaited to shed light on the cause of death. At the time of her death, the former Colonel Fikela had already resigned from the organisation in October 2021 after 40 years of service.

In another report the management has learnt with sadness of the passing of a dedicated executive member of the Junior Management Core in Chris Hani District, the 35 year old Sergeant Akhona Swaartbooi, who has been attached to Queenstown K9 unit. He passed on Thursday 23/12/2021 after a long illness in hospital after serving 14 years in the South African Police Service. The dates for their funerals will still be determined.

“The two members will be remembered for their discipline and dedication to their duties. They set a good example which must be emulated by all SAPS members as they pursue their mandate to serve and protect our communities. We have lost foot soldiers and who made a remarkable impact in advancing the strategic objectives of the South African Police Service. May their precious souls rest in peace. Our hearts and prayers are indeed with the bereaved families at this time of their loss” Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene concluded.

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