UPDATE: JMPD mourns chief chaplain Phinda Ngwenya

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department said Ngwenya fell ill in January and was in and out of hospital.

[SUBS/NEDS: Updated with chaplain’s age at time of death, 51.]

PRETORIA, March 16 – The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) on Tuesday announced that its chief chaplain, Dr Phinda Ngwenya, has died after a short illness.

He was 51.

Ngwenya fell ill in January and was in and out of hospital. He leaves his wife and two daughters, according to the JMPD.

Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety Mally Mokoena expressed shock and sadness at Ngwenya’s passing. She said Ngwenya’s legacy will live on at the JMPD.

“This is truly a great loss not only to the department but also the City of Johannesburg in its entirety. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts and memories of everyone whose lives he touched and changed,” said Mokoena.

“Dr Ngwenya played a pivotal role in providing support to members of the department in their time of need. His passing has left a gaping wound in our hearts.”

Ngwenya was with the JMPD since June 2006, and the JMPD said he played an integral role as the municipal police unit’s chief chaplain, ministering at important events, including memorial services and funerals of officials who died on and off duty, not only in the police unit but also in the City of Johannesburg.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said Ngwenya will be sorely missed.

“The management of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Ngwenya. He will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues in the department,” said Fihla.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher