Families of the two police officers who were shot and killed in the line of duty in two separate incidents in Langa nearly a decade ago, could not contain their tears during a memorial serviceheld for the officers at the Methodist Church.
On Friday September 16, community leaders and Langa residents gathered at the church to attend the memorial service for the officers. It was organised by the Langa police station, where the two had been stationed.
Captain Vuyo Daca was killed in 2008 at the age of 43, Sergeant Luvuyo Nicholas Mnyanda was shot and killed in 2006 at the age of 37.
Both officers had been doing routine patrols when they were killed.
The ceremony commemorated these fallen heroes who died protecting and serving the community of Langa.
Captain Norman Mudau said the service was not meant to open up old wounds, but rather to show the families the great sacrifice these two officers made had not been vain.
“These two police officers laid down their lives to ensure that the people of Langa live in a peaceful environment. They literally took a bullet to ensure that order was upheld in Langa. We appeal to the community of Langa to protect us and know that we are sons, fathers, brothers to our families,” he said.
Captain Mudau said whenever police officers leave their homes, saying goodbye to their families on their way to work, they know that may be the last time they see their loved ones.
Miriam Mnyanda, 43, the widow of the late Sergeant Mnyanda, said her husband’s death had left a void no other human being could ever replace.
A weeping Ms Mnyanda said her husband’s killers had robbed her children of an opportunity to bond with their father and have a positive male role model in their lives.
“My life has never been the same without my other half. This memorial service has brought tears to me and it has opened up healing wounds.
“It feels like he was killed yesterday. The memories of him came flooding back, and how I wish he was still alive to see his children,” she said.
Pastor Anele Mfazwe, secretary of the Langa Community Policing Forum (CPF), said he intended to embark on a fund-raising drive for the children of the officers. He called on the community to work hand-in-hand with the police in rooting out crime in Langa.
“I have given the families two Intercape bus tickets to travel wherever they want to go. From today onwards, I will be visiting different organisations in partnership with Langa police station, trying to raise funds to cover educational costs of their children.
“I call on local business to support this initiative. I hope by this day next year we will have the fundraising event here in Langa,” he said.
Sivile Daca, 16, the eldest son of Captain Daca, said what he missed most about his father were his jokes. He said his father had been a cheerful person who loved his family.
“My father was always there to protect me and my siblings. He emphasised the importance of education and he always said to us to be strong and never let anything distract us from achieving our dreams,” he said.