Former Alexandra Police Station Commander General Pharasi passes away

The man accredited with turning Alexandra around from a crime no-go zone to a safe and liveable place, Major General Theko Johannes Pharasi, is no more.Gauteng SAPS deputy provincial commissioner Pharasi (59) died on 29 June after a short illness.

Pharasi was described by Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, as ‘one of Gauteng’s most dedicated policemen who served several communities in the province with distinction before moving to the provincial arm’.

Pharasi took over as commander of the Alexandra Police Station when the country’s oldest township was one of the most crime-infested and feared townships in Johannesburg, such that people visited it on their own peril and it was often said would be lucky enough to come out alive.

The no-nonsense policeman devised his own strategy of tackling the rampant crime head-on and this paid huge dividends and he was admired by many for his achievements. It was no wonder he was soon after promoted to head the Johannesburg Central Cluster of Police Stations before moving over to the province.

The long-serving member of the South African Police Service joined the policing fraternity in 1980 as a constable and never looked back. Pharasi moved up the hierarchy and climbed the ladder of power in the early stages of his career that spanned almost 40 years. Pharasi was an intellectual of note, and to his credit, he possessed various well sought-after qualifications and acquired accolades and medals that made him one of the most seasoned, accomplished and decorated officers. Paying her tributes, Mazibuko expressed sadness following the general’s untimely passing.

“The passing of Major General Pharasi is a massive loss to the policing fraternity and the entire Gauteng City Region. Death has robbed us of an accomplished officer, a disciplinarian of note, yet very humble and a passionate figure in police. General Pharasi was indeed a transformational leader, a man of great academic and professional acumen.”

Mazibuko said during the start of the current administration, Pharasi was instrumental in coming up with creative ways to implement strategies to fight corruption within the ranks of law enforcement.

“He was a man of integrity, a scarce attribute in the society we live in. General Pharasi possessed an ethically and morally sound judgment at all material times.”

Mazibuko concluded by saying that the Gauteng Provincial Government wished to convey its heartfelt condolences to General Pharasi’s family, friends and colleagues.

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