Female detective takes charge of Alex Police

The newly-appointed and first female commander of the Alex Police Station, Colonel Nhluvuko Zondi [50] from Tzaneen, radiates a permanent smile, a welcoming demeanour and a toughness ready to lead the community in eradicating crime which is festering in the Alexandra township.

Zondi, a career detective with close to 30 years of police experience, said crime started, thrived and impacted the community as residents chose to look the other way rather than report crimes to the police.

She assumed the hot seat vacated by suspended Brigadier David Ngcobo after the recent murder of a police officer at the Alex Police Station. Zondi said her many years of experience from various police stations will come in handy and guide her open door policy to establish strong engagement and confidence by residents to collaborate with the police.

She admitted that her immediate task will be to reboot the station’s image and to recover the morale said to be low among officers traumatised by the recent killings. This will include prayers at the station by all faith organisations on 2 July to heal the trauma, followed by projecting the station to residents as a safe space to access professional services and to report crime. This, at a time when there have been suggestions by some community members that criminals could take advantage of the low morale and dare to release accomplices who may be in the police cells.

Zondi is not overawed by this suggestion and impending challenges and will rely on her experience from various other provincial police stations and as head of the Wynberg detective branch from where she was promoted. “ I may have a different management style to my predecessor but am ready for the challenges which will not be insurmountable if there is positive collaboration of all stakeholders including the professional conduct of the police.”

She intends to achieve and consolidate the collaboration through extensive engagement with residents, community leaders and business owners. “Criminals are community members and are harboured by the community. The engagement will seek to change residents’ mind set against harbouring criminals.” She expects police to also play their part by ensuring thorough investigations leading to successful prosecutions.

Her priorities will include rape of children which she said disturbingly happens even in sacred places; domestic violence and assaults which cause family break-ups, maimed women and psychologically impacted children; robberies especially of foreign-owned shops whose owners didn’t report the crimes from fear of reprisals; alcohol abuse linked to numerous taverns; vehicle hijacking by unemployed youths who stole cars to sell parts for income; and drug addiction especially of nyaope.

Zondi hopes to be a role model for aspiring female officers and advised male counterparts with patriarchal attitudes to change their mindset. “Women are here to stay and rise through the ranks like anyone based on their abilities, commitment and desire to serve and protect lives and property.”

Details: Alex Police Station 011 321 7600.