Brigadier Sookraj takes the reins at Benoni SAPS

Discipline and dedication in an effort to win the community’s trust to foster strong collaborative partnerships will take precedence as the Benoni Police Station welcomes its new station commander.

At the end of July, the city bade farewell to Major General Thabo Mphuti after she accepted a promotion and redeployment to Upington in the Northern Cape, three years after assuming her role at the police station.

The city’s new commander and chief in the fight against crime, Brigadier Sudesh Sookraj said he will endeavour to get more boots on the ground to combat the scourge of criminality plaguing the city and the country as a whole.

Graduating from the Wentworth Police College in Kwa-Zulu Natal in the early 80’s, Sookraj said that he was drawn to the service due to his deep-seated desire to make a difference and to be of service to others.

With four decades of experience under his belt, the ambitious graduate started climbing the ranks, assuming various roles within the SAPS from Edenvale, Daveyton, Kempton Park, and the 10111 call centre in Midrand before serving as station commander in Thembisa for three years.

“Being a police officer is all about having a passion for not only bringing criminals to book but also inspiring members and serving the community without prejudice or fear,” said the self-proclaimed career police officer.

“Our greatest challenge in Benoni is the fight against high incidences of trio crimes, which include gender-based violence (GBV) and the availability of drugs.

“Before we can tackle these challenges I need to ensure that my members are disciplined, staying true to the oath that they have taken and that they wear their badges with dignity, pride and respect.

“In gaining the respect of our community we will continue to build on the strong foundations which have been laid by my predecessor, the CPF, local security companies, businesses and others in leadership positions.”

Sookraj said that by leading by example, he will lead his team in line with national strategies to build a safer community for its residents.

He cautioned that the implementation of strategies cannot succeed without community-based intelligence.

“Operations are intelligence-driven and who better to provide us with information than residents, business owners and local vendors? They are our eyes and ears in streets and suburbs but we can only react swiftly if crimes and suspicious activities are reported.

“Integrated multi-disciplinary teams have been established country-wide to intensify operations at illegal mining operations.

“Selected members from our station form part of this unit which will continue putting pressure on these operations which threaten the safety of communities and infrastructure,” he said.

“My door is open to all whom I have sworn to serve and protect. I believe that to effectively fight crime each officer’s hands must be clean.

“Any claims of corruption at station level will be dealt with internally as well as criminally thus creating the hallmark of effective service delivery.”

Benoni CPF chairperson Dr Reza Patel said that he looks forward to working with Sookraj and welcomed the appointment of a commander with strong leadership characteristics.

“Strength and unity are built from a leader who not only boosts the morale of his members but leads with integrity,” said Patel.

“We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the police and community.”

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