Constable Cebekhulu Linda was honored with an official funeral service held at St. Rose Catholic Church in Bochabela, Bloemfontein, on Friday (9/5). 

The ceremony was filled with emotion as family, friends, and colleagues shared fond memories of Linda, celebrating his life and the impact he had on those around him. Angela Linda, the cousin of the deceased, gave a heartfelt tribute, describing the deep bond she shared with her cousin.

Casket of the late Cebekhulu Linda. Photo supplied.

“My friend, my heart, the first day you went missing was very difficult as I had to leave a world where you don’t exist. The day the confirmation came that you were gone, I was shattered. 

“When you took out your last breath, you took a part of me with you. You and I have been on each other’s side for most of my life. For you protecting me from high school bullies, to competing academically, even though you were a grade above me. 

“From the first heartbreak to the first wild night out, to celebrating each other’s victories in finding jobs.”

“It pains me that now you are going to miss all the milestones that we had envisioned for ourselves. I know big brother’s love because of you, yes we are family by chance but friends by choice. 

“I’m so happy that we chose each other,” Angela said through tears.

Friends and neighbors also spoke warmly about Constable Linda's character. Kabelo Molatedi, a neighbor and friend, described Linda as a peaceful yet vibrant person who always looked out for those close to him.

“Cebekhulu was more than a neighbor; he was a shining example of progress in his neighborhood, always respectful to elders and smiling forever. I was blessed to know him not only as a neighbor but as someone I watched grow from a little boy into a refined man,” said Molatedi.

The funeral service also included a moving tribute from Police Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, who praised Constable Linda’s dedication to his work, despite the often thankless nature of police duties.

“Today, our hearts as the SAPS bleed blue. A life so short-lived and yet a life so full of impact, it is like he knew his life would be short-lived. 

“He served as an example to his peers and colleagues and was always ready to serve and protect, no matter where the call came from. He put on that uniform and went without hesitation wherever he was sent. 

Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha Mathae, alongside other officials, at the funeral of late Constable Linda Cebekhulu. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi.

“When he got to the Cyber Crime Unit, he made sure his presence was felt with the outstanding duties that he performed.”

Sibiya urged Constable Linda’s colleagues to honor his legacy by continuing his work with the same dedication. He said they must take a leaf from the book that Constable Linda has written and take the baton from where he left off, and run with it.

Constable Linda’s funeral comes just a day after Constable Boipelo Senoge was laid to rest at South Park Cemetery in Mangaung. Constable Keamogetswe Buys, who was with Senoge and Linda at the time of their passing, will be laid to rest on Saturday (10/5), with the service taking place at Grassland Hall and the final resting place at Thaba Nchu Cemeteries.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi