Gordhan condemns ‘cheap’ loss of guard

THEunnecessary loss of young lives is lamentable, said Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs .

He was speaking at the memorial service of his bodyguard, Sello Machete, held at the Maupa Naga police building in Pretoria yesterday.

Gordhan said Machete was committed to his work.

“Why do young people so committed lose their lives so cheaply? It is easy for people to kill one another in this excessively violent society,” Gordhan said.

Machete, 36, was shot multiple times while sitting in his unmarked police vehicle with his girlfriend Koketso Maleka, 25, outside her home in Stinkwater. Machete’s service pistol was stolen and his car taken.

The car was recovered abandoned a few kilometres away. He was off duty and wasn’t wearing a uniform.

“The one thing that characterised him was his joyfulness,” Gordhan said.

Ministers often took their VIP protection for granted but Machete’s death offered them an opportunity to reflect on the services of their bodyguards, he said

About 100 colleagues, family members and friends gathered at the police building to celebrate Machete’s life.

Major-General Sello Kwena described Machete as a disciplined officer who was passionate about his work and football.

“Sello was a fitness fanatic and used the platforms created by the department, including soccer, where he ensured the success of his division’s team. He was a midfielder but he scored the most goals,” Kwena said.

Simon Machete, brother of the slain officer, said he was still trying to come to terms with Sello’s death.

“I’m still hoping someone will say it is a joke,” he said. Machete’s funeral will be held tomorrow.