Missing Policeman’s Body Found After Car Swept Away During Joburg Floods

The body of a much respected Gauteng policeman was sadly found in Soweto on Sunday, by search and rescue teams, following the floods that devastated parts of Johannesburg – particularly Soweto and Roodepoort – on Friday.

Warrant Officer Ntsako Pataka was off-duty when his private vehicle was swept away in the devastating floods, caused by a heavy downpour of rain. Since then, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have been hard at work to locate WO Pataka.

“This is a tragic ending for us as the SAPS (South African Police Service) and for the family of the member; we were hoping for a positive outcome,” said General Fannie Masemola, SAPS National Commissioner.

A local resident revealed: “I saw the police carrying his body removed from the stream in Klipspruit behind Maponya Mall today. it was very painful to see. May God be with his family and friends; what a great loss to the country and his family.”

General Masemola thanked all teams – SAR and emergency personnel teams – for their tireless efforts in finding the police officer’s body.

Warrant Officer Pataka was attached to the Division: Protection and Security Services (PSS) where he served as an in-transit VIP Protector. He had accumulated 15 years of service having joined the organisation in 2007. Many of his colleagues – some calling him by nicknames Kapata and Pata – have left heartfelt tributes on SAPS’ social media pages, remembering a man who achieved so much in his 15 years, and who was a great policeman and a great friend.

General Masemola said: “To Warrant Officer Ntsako Patako, the SAPS management salutes you for choosing to serve your country with diligence and honour until your untimely death. May your soul rest in perfect peace.”

One colleague wrote: “Tjo I’m not okay “kapata”, as I used to call him. i remember mentoring him at VIP as a static guard till he became a protector… will dearly miss his positive energy… rest well young man.”

Another said: “Pataka RIP my brother… What a great person and colleague to have worked with… Let’s draw closer colleagues in love and unity. Life is short…”

In-house Psychologists and Chaplains from the SAPS’ Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Component have been dispatched to provide psychosocial services to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member, SAPS said in a statement on Sunday.

General Masemola and his management team sent their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Warrant Officer Pataka.