THE South African Police Service (SAPS) is mourning the death of an officer who died as a result of the recent Soweto floods.
This after Warrant Officer Ntsako Pataka's private vehicle was swept away in floods in Mofolo South, Soweto, on Friday, 9 December.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Pataka was off-duty at the time of his death and his body was recovered in the same area on Sunday, 11 December.
Pataka was attached to the Protection and Security Services Unit, where he served as an in-transit VIP protector.
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He joined the force in 2007 and had 15 years' service.
National police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola and his management team sent their condolences to Pataka's family, friends and colleagues. Masemola thanked the search and rescue team who worked tirelessly to find Pataka's body. "This is a tragic ending for us as the SAPS and the family of the member. We were hoping for a positive outcome," . We thank all teams involved in this operation for their efforts in finding the body of the deceased member," said Masemola.
"Warrant Officer Ntsako Pataka, the SAPS management salutes you for choosing to serve your country with diligence and honour until your untimely death. May your soul rest in peace."
He said they will in-house psychologists and chaplains from the SAPS' Employee Health and Wellness have been dispatched to provide psychosocial services to the family and colleagues.
Pataka family was not yet ready to speak to the media.
