South African Police celebrate female officers this women’s month

Late Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara. Photo: Supplied

The South African Police Service (SAPS) paid tribute today to late Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara (40) a female police diver who was attached to the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue (SAR) unit.

She tragically died in a Search and Rescue operation in the Msunduzi River.

 

“Mjwara was part of more than 120 rescuers made up of police divers, K9 members, SAPS airwing personnel and fire department teams that had been deployed to form part of Operation ISSA to respond to the floods in the Greater Ethekwini area in April 2022.  From the SAPS, she was one of only four female members that had been deployed to assist in saving and recovering missing people,” said SAPS national spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe.

 

Mathe explained that Mjwara had been searching for a family of three who had drowned when she experienced difficulty and drowned and was airlifted to a nearby hospital but was sadly declared dead on arrival.

 

Sgt Mjwara was born and bred in a small village  Caluza in Pietermaritzburg, and she had  joined the organization in 2008 and had 14 years’ service.

 

“She began serving at the Hilton and Mooi River Police Stations Community Scene Centre (CSC) and in 2014 joined the 10111 Call Centre as a Call-Operator. She later joined the Flying Squad and Police Diving Unit,” said Col Mathe.

 

Her unit commander, Warrant Officer Frederick Brand had described the late member as a dedicated, selfless and passionate member who was committed to the cause of serving.

  

“She was a people’s person and loved by all whose paths crossed with hers. Her work ethic was amazing, she had good morals, good ethics, she is one of those people that you cannot replace. Always willing to go the extra mile”, said Warrant Officer Brand.

 

To the late Sergeant Mjwara , the SAPS flag does not fly because the wind moves it, but because of the last breathe of members like you who died protecting it. Thank you for your bravery, loyalty and the sacrifices you made to serve and protect the people of the Republic of South Africa (RSA).