SAPS is mourning the death of warrant officer Ntsako Pataka  who lost his life in the recent floods in Soweto. The 36-year old was reported missing by a colleague on Friday after the car they were travelling in was swept away in Mofolo  due to the heavy rains.  Pataka was attached to the Division  Protection and Security Services (PSS) where he served as an in-transit VIP Protector. The member had 15 years’ service, having joined the organisation in 2007.

SWEPT BY THE FLOODS

SAPS spokeswoman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Warrant Pataka's body was recovered on Sunday morning. She said at the time of his death, the off-duty member’s private vehicle was swept away in floods caused by heavy downpours of rain on Friday. She said Pataka was travelling with two of his colleagues when the incident happened but they were able to escape. "Since then, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have been hard at work in recovering the member’s body," said Mathe.

WORKING TIRELESSLY TO RECOVER BODY

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has thanked the Search and Rescue (SAR) and emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to recover the body of the member. “This is a tragic ending for us as the SAPS and the family of the member, we were hoping for a positive outcome. We thank all teams involved in this operation for their efforts in finding the body of the deceased member”, said General  Masemola. "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."Joburg Emergency services managed to successfully rescue stranded  people from Soweto .Some residents from Kliptown and Nancefield hostel were displaced and moved to places of safety.