Farewell, Warrant Officer Ndlovu
SANDTON - The Sandton Police Station bids farewell to a long-serving man in blue.
A long-serving Warrant Officer from the Sandton Police Station has decided to hang up his handcuffs after almost 36 years of service.
Warrant Officer Hasani Phanuel Ndlovu has retired at the young age of 60. He was born on 7 June 1957 and was a shepherd growing up in a rural village in Limpopo.
In 1981, Ndlovu made the big move to Johannesburg in search of work and joined the force in the same year. “My mother did not want me to become a police officer and was unhappy with the decision, but I managed to convince her. When I started, Sandton was not as developed yet and they started to develop the area in the 1980s. The community back then was very small.”
In 1998 with his promotion to Warrant Officer, he moved to crime prevention until 2009. Ndlovu said he can’t remember the amount of criminals he put behind bars. “It was many many criminals that we put away.”
After that, he moved back to the charge offices where he stayed until his retirement.”During my years at the station, there have been 11 station commanders and I was very loyal to all of them.” He said they all helped and encouraged him.
Ndlovu is very humble about his career and its highlights, stating that he was always loyal to his commanders. “If you want to remain in the police service you must be loyal to them.”
Ndlovu is most proud of the work he did for the community. “I am happy to finish my career, but I am a little sad. I am tired, but will always miss my work. I enjoyed doing my work from start to the finish and I never wanted to change careers. I was always dedicated to my job.”
Ndlovu said that during his 36 years he only took a handful of sick leave and only took vacation leave. He also never transferred or moved and has been based at the Sandton Police Station for 36 years.
He was awarded seven medals over the years for his service, including one for his 30-year service.
His advice to people who want to join the police is, “To be loyal to their commanders, do their job and always respect each other.”
Constable David Mothapo, a spokesperson for the Sandton Police Station said that he has known Ndlovu since 2011. “He is a legend in my eyes. He will always greet you with a smile and offer his time.”
Ndlovu is happily married with one daughter and three grandchildren. He is unsure what his retirement plans are, but for now, he will rest.
