Eight-year old who wanted to be a cop given hero's farewell

A young boy was given a hero's farewell this weekend by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).

Andile "Given" Sibanyoni, who lost his battle with cancer last week, always wanted to be a metro cop. In particular he wanted to ride the police motorcycles and last year November, his dreams were made reality when he visited TMPD so spend a day in the life of metro police officer.

"He was over the moon that day," said sergeant Eben Burger who took Given on his bike last year. "It was an honour and a privilege to give him his dream, he touched us all."

Over 100 metro police officers trekked out to the small town of Piterskraal, Mpumulanga, early on Saturday morning to pay Given their last respects. 

The TMPD ceremonial unit, consisting of a drill team, choir and band performed and sang along side community members who turned out in droves at the funeral. 

The squeeky voices Given's grade 1 classmates were accompanied by the deep bass singing of burly police officers. Family representative Josephina Sibanyoni said that there were no words to explain the family's gratitude to the TMPD for honoring the 8-year-old.

The band played the sombre Dead March From Saul, leading the congregation to the local cemetery where the small coffin was draped with the tshwane metro flag: Given's police cap perched on top.

MMC for Safety and Security  Terrence Mashego and TMPD Chief of Police Steven Ngobeni stood saluting as the coffin was put to final rest. The first shovel of earth was imparted by the MMC.

"It is a sad moment for us, " said Mashego. "But we are glad we could give Given a dignified goodbye, he was part of the family."

Mashego said it was important for communities to embrace the Metro Police and not to fear them. 

Holding the TMPD flag and her son's small police cap close to her chest, an emotion Lindiwe Ntuli thanked the police for their attendance, saying Given would have been "so excited if he was here."

Reach for a Dream representative Mpumi Mlambo said the day's parade was an indication of just how big Given's dreams were. "He could never have forgotten that day when he visited to do the police inspections."

Community member Patrick Sibanyoni said it was the first time the town had witnessed such a big funeral. "It has really brought the community together, and we thank the Tshwane metro for coming here."