SAPS sends off humble, selfless Masuku
HLATIKHULU – The late senior police officer, Vusi Masuku, touched lives within and beyond the country as he was described as a selfless, humble, friendly and assertive man.
This was evident yesterday when representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Province were sent to send off the late Masuku.
The funeral was held at Masuku’s homestead located at Ebenezer in the Shiselweni Region and was attended by over 1 500 people.
Friends
One of the two representatives, Chief Provincial Inspector Brian Modise who was friends with the late Masuku, shared with the mourners that he knew Masuku from the early 80s. Modise, shared this when addressing the mourners during the morning service yesterday.
He stated that Masuku was a man who also liked sports as their relationship started with sports, and it grew as they got together for work related purposes.
Diverted
He said he was once sent to Botswana and he diverted to Limpopo, where Masuku then took him to his house in Eswatini. Modise said he had a good time in Eswatini courtesy of Masuku.
He told the mourners that when Masuku was promoted to head the Police Academy in Matsapha, he fitted like a glove as he changed it for the better.
“Whoever will fit in his shoes has a big task, the pay would be that he must not let Masuku down; he must carry the flag high,” remarked Modise. He said on behalf of the Gauteng Province, they came to share with the family and the police that this was not only their loss, as they also lost a brother and a friend, adding that God had a way of taking them one after another.
National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, William Dlamini, who was represented by Deputy National Commissioner Mandla Mdluli, said they were sent by Their Majesties to mourn with the family over the passing of Masuku. He said to be a deputy commissioner, one was commissioned directly by the King and he was saddened by the demise of Masuku, as he was ready to send him on different assignments.
Meanwhile, he stated that there was no one who would be like Masuku, adding that no one would replace him.
Broken
“We are heart-broken by the loss of Masuku, but we pray God will heal our hearts,” he said. He mentioned that the NATCOM was held by other national duties and would have liked to have attended Masuku’s send-off.
Mbutfo Masuku, the firstborn child, speaking on behalf of the deceased’s children, stated that they were grateful for the support they received from the nation and beyond since the news of their father’s accident, his passing until he was laid to rest yesterday. “We all know who he was to us and what any other person says about him won’t change the way we love him,” remarked Mbutfo. He further assured their mother that they would be there for her going forward, and that they would not change from their father’s discipline.
Masuku’s wife, on the other hand, narrated how she met her husband when she had gone to watch a soccer match in 1989, not knowing that she would meet the love of her life.
She further said that they had a peaceful life together and never fought in front of their children even when they had disagreements, while adding that she was grateful for the 28 years they had shared together.
During the funeral, Masuku’s casket was lowered and police did a 21-gun salute. Also, at the end, members of the different forces were called to salute for the last time after which the police left.