Police Minister, General Bheki Cele accompanied by Senior SAPS Management from Head Office and the province today paid respect to the late Sergeant Mzoxolo Gxotani, attached to East London Tactical Response Team (TRT) who was fatally wounded while on duty on 19 October 2020.
The Mdantsane community came out in droves to pay respect and lay their patriotic son.
The family spokesperson painted pleasant memories about Sgt Gxotani while his close friend, Nkosinathi Mbeki, read a poem in his remembrance.
Mdantsane TRT Unit Commander, Captain Makabongwe Ntlombeni described the fallen warrior as a respectful and dedicated member.
Representing Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, newly appointed Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Major General Thembisile Patekile addressed all and said, “Gxotani family and friends, l want to say your child didn’t die in vain but lost his life on the frontline of the battlefield. I want to emphasize that when Tactical Response Team members are recruited, we don’t take an ordinary men and women but special people like Sgt Gxotani”.
“We are here with the Police Minister and vow to continue to protect our people, our country and our members from heartless criminals like the one that stole Sgt Gxotani’s life at such an early stage,” concluded Maj Gen Patekile.
Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lt Gen Masemola sent condolences on behalf of National Commissioner and urged Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner to assist the family in all manner possible. Addressing the TRT members he said, “Be strong and never relent. You are the last line of our defence. Work hard to clean our community of crime,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Cele said, “We want those responsible for the death of our member. The one in hospital must tell all and ensure that you arrest all of them,” he emphasized.
“When your life as a citizen is under threat you need to use deadly force to defend yourself”, added the Minister referring to what he said is enshrined in the constitution.
Comforting the family, Minister Cele said, “you must be proud to see the police top brass and the Minister, this is an indication that we own your son, we know him and respect his national contribution. He is a national asset”.
Sgt Gxotani was laid to rest at Cambridge cemetery, East London.