Constable Frank Lila, gone but not forgotten by SAPS

MOUNT AYLIFF – “You might be gone Constable Frank Lila but you will not be forgotten”, said Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga during his funeral service at Sugarbush, Mt Frere today.

Lila is one of the four members who passed on instantly in an accident whilst travelling back home on Sunday, 25 April 2021 from the Chris Hani District where they were part of a SAPS team deployed in the area to conduct crime prevention and awareness campaigns.

Constable Frank Lila had ten years’ service working and attached to the Mount Ayliff Sector Policing Teams.

He was a well-trained police official who went through the SAPS programmes and served the Mount Ayliff community with distinction.

Lieutenant General Ntshinga has described Constable Mkhuseli Frank as a great patriot.

“To Lila family, thank you for borrowing us your son. This hero was part of the Junior Management Core (JMC) and was a true leader. Our succession plan is to develop new leadership amongst these JMC members.” She further urged the JMC members to have a program to guide and mentor the young children of these deceased members.

“Mentor them because life is full of challenges. To the SAPS members I love you all, be strong and continue with the work these heroes and heroine died fighting for.” she expressed,”

The late Constable Frank Mkhuseli was described by his family and neighbourhood as a down to earth man, pillar of strength to the family, much disciplined, good hearted soul, who always had a smile on his face as gesture of love. He followed his name, Mkhuseli very well. That’s why he ended up being a police official. He took an oath to protect the nation. We have lost a hardworker in him.

The family said he was paying for his siblings schooling including his elder brother. His elder brother attested to that saying he was like a father to his family. He respected everybody including the extended family members, inlaws and the entire neighbourhood.

Constable Lila was described by his immediate commander Captain Siviwe Mhlobongo as a true gentleman, dedicated professional and always punctual at work. “This visionary member always had solutions to every situation at work. We have lost the brightest star in Constable Mkhuseli Frank,” he added.

The Junior Management Core (JMC) Chairperson, Tabisa Ulana said the objectives and vision of the Junior Management Core (JMC) is aimed at involving the youth in the management of the SAPS and Constable Mkhuseli Frank Lila was a member of the JMC. “The sun set at noon to all of us when the untimely tragedy strike at Engcobo during the Gender Based Violence operation.

To the family, I would like to comfort you and say please put your trust to God. Be strong, God does not run out of plans, this situation is not permanent. It shall also come to pass, ” she said.

Source: South African Police Service

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