A love to fight crime made the boy from Bolobedu in Tzanini, Constable Thabo Elvis Malatji, leave political academics and teaching to join the SAPS in 2006.
Const Malatji attended Pjapjamela Primary School, Mothomeng Primary School and Modipe Secondary School.
He recalls a time when he wanted to be a political analyst and studied for a BA in Political Studies and Anthropology, majoring in English, at the University of Venda.
“I wanted to be a political analyst and do political research. While studying I became more interested in the running of the state. I wanted to know why certain things are only found in urban but not in rural areas,” he said.
After finishing his studies in 1999, Ms Mampe Malatji’s son, Const Malatji came to Johannesburg. In the next six years he became a teacher.
“This was the proof that hard work can make you successful and you can go anywhere with it. Teaching was not my passion. I had to work a little bit harder to achieve what I had to. Today it is humbling to see some on my learners making names for themselves in the world,” Const Malatji said.
He said he went into teaching to explore and see how far he could stretch his abilities.
Const Malatji said he is still in contact with most of his learners.
He used to teach social science, English and economic sciences.
Const Malatji said hearing stories about crime revived his love of fighting crime.
“Before I even went to the university I used to notice crime happening. I was hearing stories about crime and how sometimes the criminals just elude arrest. The level of crime, especially in Johannesburg, made me want to take part in fighting crime. I asked myself again and again, how do I help fight crime? In 2006 I joined the South African Police Services,” he said.
Const Malatji’s uncle was a detective stationed in Kgapane SAPS.
“Detective Inspector Creamsoda Malatji and some of his colleagues were doing their job and said I would love it. He was one of those who commanded respect in the community. When those men reprimand you, they would do it in such a way that you would know you were not supposed to do what you have done,” Const Malatji said.
He said after training he came to Yeoville SAPS because he loved the multicultural nature of the area.
“We have our share of crime here but one learns about different cultures and languages from all over the world. Our community of Yeoville is very welcoming. And it is always willing to welcome and teach each other languages and cultures. It feels great to learn a new word in a foreign language. These residents also get excited when you speak to them in their language, even if you are not perfect. They also want to learn our languages,” Const Malatji said.
He called on the residents to join in the fight against crime.
“For us to win the fight against crime we need to use a multifaceted approach. We need the community to work with the police. Report crime or what you think is a crime to the police. Let the criminals know they are not allowed to operate in our area,” he said.
