Central SA
Makgoe protector lauded for his 'dedication, selfless service'─── 05:57 Mon, 06 Mar 2023
The South African Police Services' management sent their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the protector, warrant officer Piet Mdi, who also died during a collision that killed Free State Education MEC, Dr Tate Makgoe, on Sunday.
The Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Tebello Mosikili, described his death as "a great blow to the protection and security services division and the police".
"He has been described by his immediate commander as a quiet, dedicated, committed and disciplined member. Thank you for your selfless service to the nation. May your soul rest knowing that you served your country with pride and distinction."
Mosikili announced that health and wellness experts had been mobilised to provide psychosocial services to his family and colleagues.
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Born and bred in Mangaung in the Free State, the 50-year-old Mdi joined government forces in 1996, first as a member of the South African National Defence Force and later as a member of SAPS' protection security services division, where he served as a static protector. He was later moved to the in-transit VIP protection security services, where he served as a close protector to the late MEC Makgoe from 2010 until his death.
The driver of the vehicle, warrant officer Richard Nkopane, is still in a critical condition in hospital. "We are wishing warrant officer Nkopane a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with his family," said Mosikili.
Memorial and funeral service details for both Dr Makgoe and Mdi will be communicated in due course.
