A SLAIN police officer was hailed as a heroine by her heartbroken family at an emotional funeral service on Sunday, 21 September.
Uncle April Johannes "Joe" Skosana said: "My niece, you died as a heroine. She died for the community. Rest in power, my niece."
He spoke during the service at Stinkwater in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, on Sunday, 21 September.
Constable Sharon Hlangoane (33), who was stationed at Temba Police Station, was killed during a shoot-out with criminals in Chris Hani, Block G in Hammanskraal on Friday, 12 September.
The family is pleading for all the suspects to be arrested and the keys thrown away.
The family further said that a big tree had fallen.
"We are deeply hurt by the passing of my niece, who was killed by a person," Johannes said.
Wilhemina Hlangoane, Sharon's aunt, said the family is deeply hurt and needs justice.
Nozipho Hlangoane, Sharon's daughter, said her mum was loving and ever smiling.
"Our relationship was very strong, more than a parent. She was our confident, role model and best friend. I'm heartbroken," she said.
Sharon's friend Dorothy Modise said: "She was a good friend and always wanted unity."
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Ward councillor 95 Willy Kgopa said: "Criminals must not decide for us to gather."
Temba Police Station commander Brigadier Johannes Tau said: "We have lost. This was a difficult week. Sharon was one of the shining stars. She was meant to arrest the criminals."
Tshwane District Police Commissioner Major Samuel Thine said that justice will be done.
"We face challenges with criminals, and our members don't die with resources at your disposal," he said.
He further said that criminals shoot at police and don't care and pleaded with the community to assist police in fighting crime.
Thine said that the family must liaise with the investigation officer and not listen to anyone regarding updates of the matter.
She was young in the police and was taken away from the force.
He said that it takes police a long time to train one police officer.
"It's not easy to see kids left alone," said Thine.
He further said that the place where Sharon was killed is a hotspot.
Sharon is survived by two daughters, a son, her mum, a sister, and a brother.
She was laid to rest at Mokone Cemetery in Stinkwater, Hammanskraal on Sunday, 21 September.
