Mathebula fills the shoes of former Reiger Park station commander Col Barry Mashaba, who has been transferred to Kwa-Thema police station.
Fifty three-year-old Mathebula was born in Piet Retief, and matriculated from Lindile High, Ermelo, Mpumalanga, before he joined the SAPS three decades ago.
He served as a police officer at the Boksburg SAPS and Alberton SAPS, before he was transferred to the Reiger Park SAPS in 2009.
Reiger Park is one of the most violence and drug-ridden neighbourhoods of the city, but with his experience in the police services, Mathebula says he is ready to turn the tide in the war against drugs and violence in the area.
“I’m confident that with the recent partnership with the residents, community forums, churches and other stakeholders, we shall make Reiger Park one of the safest places to live in.”
The new station commander says he has several tasks in the pipeline.
“There’s still lot to do. Firstly, we have to gain the full trust of every person residing in the community by changing the negative public’s perception of us (the police).
“In order to restore the public’s trust, we have to address issues of concern regarding our service and how we are going to curb crime.”
Mathebula says, as the law enforcement agency in the area, they have to make sure that they are entrusted by every person in the community, to protect their lives and properties, to enforce the laws of the country, and to be the buffer between each and every community member and the criminal element.
“As a leader, I also have to make sure that my officers and staff are hard-working, conscientious, dedicated and honest officers, with the best intentions in mind while serving the community.”
For years, residents of Reiger Park have repeatedly accused officers at the station of lacklustre performance and corruption.
In response, Mathebula encourages members of the public to directly report those rotten apples to him.
“People should not be afraid to report crime, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a police officer or not.
“I will not tolerate, condone, accept or protect, in any instance, any wrong-doing by any police officer. Officers are supposed to lead by example, and I constantly caution them to do the right thing all the time, whether someone is watching, or not.
“I encourage members of the community, community leaders, churches, schools, community forums and other stakeholders to continue to be our eyes and ears, even if it means telling what you know about any criminal acts perpetrated by any prominent person or police officer.”
Well Done Station Commander Mathebula.
we know you can do it with the assistance of Reigerpark Community.