SHE was not scared of a firearm.
These were the words of a colleague of a slain JMPD officer during her memorial service on Thursday, 11 April.
Family, friends and JMPD officers gathered at the Old Academy Hall, Wemmer Complex in Joburg to celebrate the life of Linda Mthimkhulu (49), who was allegedly killed by SAPS officers on Saturday, 6 April.
The incident happened when she was trying to protect her son who was accused of reckless driving.
According to Ipid spokesman Phaladi Shuping, Mthimkhulu allegedly shot at the police officers, and they retaliated, and she was fatally wounded.
Talking about her colleague, Superintendent Mashudu Mutavhatshindi recalled how officers were scared to approach residents during a protest in Pimville, Soweto.
“Linda said ma’m, let's go there, we have firearms, we can shoot. She was not scared to use a firearm," said Mashudu.
Mthimkhulu's colleague and friend, Lindi Ntoyi said the pain cuts deep and she will never forget this.
“Linda was my twin. I've lost a true friend. The whole of Soweto will always remember her. Since her sudden death, people have been asking who our roadblocks hero will be, and who will help them go through the roadblocks swiftly,” she said.
Sergeant Esther Mokate recalled how Linda would tease her over her name. “She used to ask why my parents chose to name me Esther. I started working with Linda in 2015.
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“On the 6th, I last saw Linda around five. Six hours later, I received a call that she was no more. She was a straightforward person," she said.
Esther recalled that on the day, Linda went to a stop and searching operation and was eager to go home early, adding that she kept asking when the team was knocking off.
“She was a loud person and everyone who knew her thought she was an alcohol person. However, she enjoyed soft drinks,” she said.
JMPD spokesman Superintendent Xolani Fihla said they're saddened by Mthimkhulu's death.
