Lieutenant Colonel Sikhumbuzo Thela bids the community of Ermelo farewell

Lt Col Skhumbuzo James Thela is leaving Ermelo after being part of the Ermelo police family for 15 years.

This proud Ermelo citizen is on his way to KwaMhlanga where he will take up his new post as colonel.

He has been a familiar face in visible policing in Wesselton and surrounding towns, leading from the front to ensure Ermelo is a safer town.

Born and bred in Wesselton, he is a product of Lindile Secondary School where he matriculated.

He enrolled at the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2000 and has not looked back.

Lt Col Thela is a seasoned police officer with more than 20 years’ experience in the police force.

A nomad in the beginning stages of his career, he has been stationed at various police stations in Mpumalanga.

He finally stopped roaming after he returned home to Ermelo in 2015 and began his 15 years of service at the Ermelo Police Station.

There has been an outcry from the community over his departure, with residents from Wesselton saying they will miss his towering presence.

Lt Col Thela could be seen at many marches or protests on the streets of Ermelo, stamping out any dissident behaviour and ensuring the safety of all.

Though the community is saddened by his leaving, Lt Col Thela is excited about his new venture.

“I did my best in Ermelo and worked well with the community, however it is time for new beginnings and I am excited about this journey that I will be embarking on,” he said.

Lt Col Thela took the opportunity to thank the community as a whole and the different structures that he worked hand in hand with over the years.

“Ensuring the complete safety of our citizens requires one to work cohesively with all different structures of society and I had a long and positive relationship with all of them.”

This father of three is currently working his last days at the Ermelo Police Station, but will be going to KwaMhlanga as soon as he gets the go-ahead from the bosses.

“Though I will not be part of Ermelo Police anymore, people will still see me in Wesselton because this is my home,” Lt Col Thela concluded.