JMPD officials, community members, family and friends gathered at David Pine Multipurpose Centre in Dobsonville, Soweto on Sunday, 2 July to bid farewell to JMPD officer, Sibusiso Zikalala.
Sibusiso (38), who died off duty, was shot during an alleged altercation in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Monday, 26 June. A video of the incident went viral on social media.
During the funeral service, programme director, Amon Kganyago from JMPD, said: “Somebody kills our cop and goes on social media and say he asked for it. I don’t know what that's supposed to mean. Nobody has the right to kill anyone. Nobody deserves to die like that.”
Family member, Isaac Zikalala, thanked the mourners for supporting the family in this hard and trying time. He described Sibusiso as a humble person who was forever smiling. He said he had never seen him angry.
“My hero has fallen. He was not a coward and would always avail himself during family gatherings. Babamkhulu loves you Sbuda. I’m going to miss you. May your soul rest in peace," said Isaac.
He asked that people sing and dance as it is what Sibusiso loved.
Representing the Dlamini family, Dan Dlamini said: “You have done everything that you were supposed to do. Good night and goodbye.”
He thanked Sibusiso’s supervisor for grooming him into the man he was.
Neighbour, Lindiwe Nene, said she had known Sibusiso since she was still young. “He lived in Protea Glen before moving to Naledi. We grew up as friends. I was the only girl at home and he was an overprotective brother and neighbor. We used to call each other ‘macala’.
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"Sibusiso was teased me. He would always remind me that he was my first boyfriend because the first chocolate I ever received from a boy was from him and it was a PS written: 'I love you'.”
JMPD spokesman, Xolani Fihla, said JMPD is deeply saddened by Sibusiso's passing as the department looked forward to his contribution to fighting crime in the City of Johannesburg.
“Before his untimely passing, Officer Zikalala had 16 years of experience in the department and was a member of the JMPD K9 Unit. Officer Zikalala's passing has shocked many people as the video of the tragic incident has been making rounds on social media.
"The JMPD has decided not to remark on the incident that resulted in Officer Zikalala's death as this matter is currently being investigating by IPID and the department will allow them to finalise the investigation,” said Fihla .
JMPD thanked Sibusiso's family for allowing their child to serve the people of the City of Johannesburg with diligence.
Sibusiso leaves behind his mother, brother, sister, his fiancée and five children.
