Station commander bids farewell

Three years after assuming the role of station commander at the Benoni Police Station, Major-General Thabo Mphuti bade the city and province farewell.

The spirited head of the station recently accepted a promotion in rank, which would see her transferred to Upington, Northern Cape, at month-end.

Mphuti said that as a leader in any field, your objective must be to guide individuals on their path to personal and professional growth.

“You must set an example of how growth in potential, competency and qualifications can catapult your career to greater heights,” she said.

“Once you have ignited this fire in growth, you have to step away and allow your team to grow into their respective roles in your absence.”

Mphuti said that during her time as station commander, she used the Customer Service Centre (CSC) as a mirror to measure her leadership skills.

“We often encounter our community at the worst of times. However, when someone leaves the building satisfied and appeased, it is a victory for all,” she said.

“Small victories like these encourage officers to work harder to receive the blessing of the community they serve.”

Speaking on her choice to move to the banks of the Orange River, Mphuti said you could not remain stagnant in one area to understand the country’s cultural diversity and be in tune with the public’s needs.

“To truly make an impact, I believe you need to sometimes uproot yourself from what is familiar and establish yourself in communities that differ from your own,” she said.

As she steadily cleared her desk, leaving her team final instructions and pearls of wisdom, Mphuti said she could not leave the Benoni city borders without thanking all who stood by her side.

“My work at the station was made easier through the support of the CPF, the private security sector, business, NPOs and the creation of community structures such as neighbour watches,” she said.

“Thank you for your support and understanding. When it felt like I was losing the battle, you helped by mobilising and maintaining momentum in our fight against crime.”

She concluded by saying that services at the police station would continue despite the change of command, and she was confident that the acting station commander, Colonel Khubulani Ndaba, would ensure that the community could continue relying on officers for assistance.

“Together, we will continue fighting crime and making a difference,” she said.

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