Her two children, Katlego and Popi, wept as the coffin was lowered to the ground.

The funeral was attended by Limpopo MEC for roads and transport Pitsi Moloto, MEC for economic development, environment and tourism Pinky Kekana, school children and Transnet employees.

Transnet employees also rendered a musical item during the service at home.

A goods train driver, Mashamaite, 48, of Legaela batho-Polokwane in Limpopo, was found strangled and left naked after she was ambushed.

The tragedy happened at Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt) train station on Monday morning last week.

Mashamaite was with her assistant driver when the incident happened. They both were about to leave the station in a train destined for Polokwane.

They heard a strange noise and thought the train had a mechanical problem. The two went out to investigate the source of the noise. But Mashamaite was grabbed from behind, and her colleague fled when she heard her screaming.

After the funeral service, mourners told Sowetan that Transnet must ensure the safety of train drivers on night duty or when trains are having mechanical problems.

Transnet Freight Rail chief executive Siyabonga Gama said they wereshocked and mourning the death of their colleague.

Gama said Transnet condemned the tragic and brutal act.

Mashamaite joined Transnet as an assistant train driver in 2001 and, because of her dedication, was promoted to train driver in 2008 .

Gama pleaded with security and police officers to assist Transnet in apprehending and bringing to justice the perpetrators.

"We have lost a vibrant employee in Polokwane, a soldier, a counsellor, an adviser, a caring mother and hard worker," Gama said.

MEC Moloto said that on behalf of the provincial government they had lost a dedicated woman who was putting up the economy of the province through tirelessly delivering goods.

"We are pleading with Transnet to groom more young women to be train drivers within the province and we are pleading for the safety of women when on duty because most of the time they are driving at night," Moloto said.

"The provincial government pays tribute and honour the deceased, who travelled day and night fearlessly."

Mashamaite's brother and family spokesman, Duke Mashamaite thanked Transnet for the support to the family during their difficult time.

He said the family were still shocked by the gruesome murder of her sister. He hoped that the culprits would be brought to book.

A friend and colleague, Patricia Mongau, said Mashamaite was a good train driver and motivated her to keep driving trains without fear or undermining herself.

Mongau said she would miss a real friend and motivator.

SAPS provincial spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said no one had been arrested over the murder, but police were working tirelessly to find the perpetrators.

Mulaudzi also appealed to the community to assist police with information that could help them resolve the case. - mushianae@sowetan.co.za

Comments

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Sat May 25 22:24:10 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 11, 2012

Shredder

Where I come from, ladies don't wear Jeans at the funeral like that one in picture 1. That is dishonoring the dead.
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Jun 11, 2012

ibeliv

May U rest in peace mama.
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Jun 11, 2012

Shredder

"But Mashamaite was grabbed from behind, and her colleague fled when she heard her screaming."

Bloody coward. Nxa! Did she scream? Did she call for help?
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Jun 11, 2012

sabza007

@Shredder

Out of the whole story and pictures, thats the best you can notice. Jesus does not discriminate, he hears your prayer whether you are naked,you are in a church,shack,mountain,in a club.

I hope Transnet will and police will get to the bottom of this. Someone must be arrested.
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Jun 11, 2012

Shredder

@sabza007
@Shredder - Out of the whole story and pictures, thats the best you can notice.
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We can look at the same picture and be attracted to different things. That is the one that caught MY eye. Anyway, I read the story and talked about something else. You can check my other post above yours.
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Jun 11, 2012

NeoBaBe

We Shredder, If u were in her shoes what would u have done, coz if she didn't run she woud hv also been killed.. Just shut-up maan!

May she rest in Peace.. Cant imagine the pain She went through before she died.. Shame Maan.

Kodwa kwenzenjan ngeslisa esinesihluku kanjena!!
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Jun 11, 2012

Papage

Transnet must be sued for not having security on their trains.
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Jun 11, 2012

Shredder

@Neobabe - Shut up?

Don't talk to me like that. You are hurting my fragile ego.
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Jun 11, 2012

NeoBaBe

@ Shredder..

Hey Hey Hey NGITHE THULA WENA, HABE!! Ngizokdonsa ngalamadletshana..
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Jun 11, 2012

Shredder

@NeoBaBe - I see that you were not raised properly. I am not going to waste my breath on you. Have a good day.
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