MEMORIAL SERVICE OF LATE COLONEL NTHIPE LAZARUS BOLOKA

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), family, friends, faith-based leaders, councillors, community patrollers, retired officers and community members gathered at Royal House International Church in Entsonalanga, Tembisa, to honour the life of the late Colonel Nthipe Lazarus Boloka, former Station Commander of SAPS Tembisa South.

Colonel Boloka, who recently retired from the SAPS, passed away on Sunday, 4 January 2026, following complications from injuries sustained in a car accident approximately two years ago while on his way to work.

During the memorial service, speakers described Colonel Boloka as a father figure, a disciplined police officer who lived and breathed his calling, and a man of strong Christian faith. SAPS members and community stakeholders praised his dedication to service and his deep commitment to crime prevention.

Colonel Boloka was also credited for playing a key role in the investigation that led to the arrest of Sergeant Rosemary Ndlovu, who was later charged in connection with the murders of her family members.

Community members shared stories of his hands-on leadership style, recalling how he would personally patrol high-crime areas such as Vusimuzi Informal Settlement, even when there were no police vehicles available. On one occasion, while conducting searches in Vusimuzi Hostel, Colonel Boloka recovered an illegal firearm hidden inside a pot of cooked porridge.

Throughout his tenure, Colonel Boloka strengthened partnerships with community patrollers, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and other stakeholders, playing a major role in combating crime, particularly in hostel areas.

Colonel Boloka joined the SAPS in 1989 and officially retired in August 2025, marking more than three decades of service to the country.

He will be laid to rest on Saturday, 10 January 2026, in Ga-Kibi, Limpopo.

May his soul rest in peace! 🙏🏽🕊️