EMPD spokesperson hangs up his hat
“Being in the force, especially in the media department, was quite an interesting experience.” - Wilfred Kgasago
After 27 years of mentoring, grooming, hard work and imparting information, Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago has taken a bow as spokesperson of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
He worked in the force for over two decades and was appointed as spokesperson in 2003.
He has honoured the appointment with dignity and integrity.
Kgasago traded in his metro police hat for a retirement hat on September 30.
A special farewell was organised for him at Dries Niemandt Park on September 19.
Kgasago’s colleagues said they would miss his ability and eagerness to teach, guide and advise.
This could be attributed to his 16 years of teaching prior to joining law enforcement.
“I started working as a teacher at Bodibeng High School in Kroonstad.
“I then moved back to Soweto to Bhukulani Senior Secondary School,” said Kgasago.
“I started at the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department in 1992 and worked as an instructor at the academy from 1995 to 1998.”
In December 1998 he joined the Boksburg Traffic Department and was promoted to senior superintendent in September 1999.
He was seconded to what was then called Edenvale Public Safety in 2002 as acting manager and in 2003 he was appointed spokesperson.
He worked under the leadership of various heads of the metro police, including Mongezi India, Robert McBride, Hlula Msimang, Bafana Mahlabe and the current Jabulani Mapiyeye.
Although he is originally from Soweto, Kgasago is a Meredale resident and described himself as a family man with two children and a grandchild.
He said although he wanted to be an accountant, he was happy that his life leaned towards the metro police force.
“Being in the force, especially in the media department, was quite an interesting experience.
“I want to be kept busy at all times and this experience did exactly that as there was never a dull moment.
“I enjoyed it and will miss the people, the law enforcement and Ekurhuleni, because I spent most of my time here and regard it as my second home,” he said.
Kobeli Mokheseng, also a spokesperson at the metro police, was present at the farewell and Kgasago described him as his right-hand man and a pillar.
“I started working in the force in 1995 and have never met anyone like Kgasago because he has a vision, respect and is humble.
“We will miss his supervision and discipline.
“May he reach his dreams wherever he goes.
“For us, it is a celebration and we believe he will always be with us,” said Mokheseng.
Ndumiso Gcwabe, chief superintendent of the training academy, said Kgasago’s teaching experience contributed immensely to the establishment of the academy.
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“He was my mentor and coach.
“The idea around media in the metro police was started by Kgasago.
“We hope his legacy will live on.
“May the good Lord bless you, Kgasago.”
“Officers must respect the laws of the country and improve themselves on the legislation they apply on the road and in whatever situations they are in.
“Thank you to everybody who I worked with and met over the years.
“I learnt a lot from you all,” said Kgasago.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.
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