Heidelberg’s new detective branch commander

HEIDELBERG – On January 6 the new Heidelberg branch commander of the detective services, Lt-Col Mbali Hlongwane was introduced to the media. Hlongwane has already been at the helm since December 1, 2021.

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Hlongwane started his work in the SAPS in 1993, where he enrolled in the SAPS Training College as a detective constable. In December 1993 he was stationed at Sebokeng SAPS as a detective. Before his move to Heidelberg, Hlongwane was in charge of the Evaton Detective Branch for 11 years. In 2005, he married Phindile and they have two daughters. One is at Vaal Tech and the late bloomer is still in primary school. Currently, he resides in Bedworth Park, Vereeniging.

Hlongwane said that being in charge of the Heidelberg Detective branch is an honour, and he is ready for the challenge. His vision for the future is for Law enforcement to be high on the agenda. He aims to get cases solved as quickly as possible, and turn overtime is not negotiable if at all possible. Cold cases or cases where a crime has been reported and a docket opened will be solved as quickly as possible, and reported back to the specific persons involved as to the status of the case. Hlongwane said he will work on educating the community at large.

Hlongwane says he wants to work very closely with the local media houses as well as the public and the local community.

“It is of the utmost importance to rebuild the trust between the detectives and the community,” Hlongwane said.

He further stressed that false information needs to be investigated and if it is found that someone is guilty of providing false information they will be dealt with the full might of the law.

The SAPS detective branch will be focusing on home intrusions, robberies, hijackings, violent crimes and domestic-based violence. Backlog cases will be worked with as a matter of importance. Hlongwane stated that preventing crime is so much better than trying to solve it.

A detective will be on duty around the clock and ready to assist where needed. If any person knows of any crime that is already committed or is going to be committed they must not hesitate to contact the local SAP immediately.