Fallen policewoman hailed a hero
Thornville’s female police diver, who was attached to the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue (Sar) police diving unit, Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara (42), will be remembered as a patriot who died in the line of duty, living her ultimate dream to serve and protect communities.
Tributes have been pouring in for Mjwara, and her service dog, K9 Leah, who both lost their lives while searching for flood victims at the weekend.
Mjwara (42) and her service dog, K9 Leah, were members of the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue team which had been searching the Msunduzi River for signs of three people who had been swept away by the flood waters. Among those missing, was an eight-year-old child.
On Saturday, April 16, during the search at Henley Dam, near Inanda, Mjwara reportedly got into difficulties and started to be swept away by the current. Brave Leah, who was based at the Durban Central Search and Rescue unit, jumped in to try and rescue her. Their search and rescue colleagues managed to get to them, but despite attempts at resuscitation, both Mjwara and Leah died.
On Monday afternoon, Kwazulu-natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, accompanied by Police Minister Bheki Cele and the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, visited the bereaved family of the fallen hero. Conveying his condolences, Minister Cele said Saps heroes are celebrated.
“Being a police officer is not easy. Women are few in this career. We have lost a hero,” said Cele.
MEC Nkonyeni described Mjwara as dedicated to her work and helping people. “She was committed to her work. She dedicated her life to helping people. No matter how painful this is, we are celebrating her life. She died in the line of duty.”
Mkhwanazi said over 400 people have lost their lives due to the floods and heavy rains.
General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, confirmed the deaths, and that of 31-year-old Constable Thandazile Sithole, of the Durban Central Police Station, who died when her home collapsed on her earlier this week. At least 30 police officers have been affected by the floods, with some injured and the majority displaced after their homes were washed away.
“On behalf of the Saps, let me take this opportunity to thank the deceased members for their service to the nation,” Masemola said.
“These members died heroines, putting their country first. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the two members, K9 Leah and those members who have lost their loved ones, [and a] speedy recovery to those who have been injured as well as those who have lost their homes and belongings.
“As management, we will be looking into the immediate needs of all affected to see how best we can remedy the situation. “I also wish to thank members of the Saps for upholding and enforcing the law during these challenging times, as well as pay gratitude to those who remain at the forefront of the search and rescue operations.”
Mjwara’s brother-in-law, Mali Mjwara, described Mjwara as a friend and and someone who loved saving lives. “She was my friend. She loved her work dearly and there was nothing we could do to separate her from it. She loved to save lives. She joined Saps in 2008. Her journey started in the flying squad. She had a lot of courage. She was a heroine,” he said.