Veteran cop retires after 30 years

Sandton police bid farewell to veteran cop Captain Matlou Richard Semenya on 30 June following 30 years of service to the police.

Captain Semenya spoke to the Fourways Review, reflecting on the lessons he had learned during his time with the police.”I learnt to be a good listener, to help other people with their problems such as domestic violence, help people open cases and deal with community meetings,” said Semenya.

Semenya began his career in the police in 1989. “I believe that working in the police is a calling. My intention was to become a teacher, but I decided to help people to fight crime,” he said.

After completing his basic training, Semenya was posted at Hillbrow Police Station and promoted to the rank of captain in 2009 at Sandton Police Station.

Spokesperson for Sandton Police Station Captain Granville Meyer said, “He worked as a sector manager in Sector 4, which includes Buccleuch, Eastgate, Kelvin, Kelvin View, Kramerville, Marlboro North, Wendywood and Wesco Park and was responsible for sector policing since 2010.

“Ahead of his retirement, station commander Brigadier Egen Moodley thanked Semenya for his hard work and dedication to Sandton Police Station.

Semenya said he looks forward to his retirement. “I believe it’s the right time to give the young ones a chance.”

He advised young people looking to take up a career in the police to never see the work as a ‘money-making machine’. “Working in the police is a calling. Something you do from your heart to help others.”He advised the young people in the police to always respect their seniors and not become corrupt.

“Your main intention should always be to fight crime and help the community,” concluded Semenya.