New constables ready to tackle crime

As part of their plan to reduce crime during the festive season and beyond, Thokoza Police Station welcomed eight new police officers, who were trained at the SAPS Academy in Tswane and Western Cape.

Speaking to Kathorus MAIL during a special interview on January 8, Nobuhle Madondo, one of the new constables, told this publication that their duty is to help support the vision of the station to make Thokoza a crime-free area during the festive season and beyond.

“But most importantly, we need the community to work with us in achieving this vision. Without their support the vision will be dull, null and void,” said Madondo.

On how they feel to report on duty at the police station everyday and what it means to wear the police uniform, Const Tshepo Sibanyoni said it means it is time to save the world and serve the community.

“Firstly, to me, wearing the uniform is an honour and it means I must work hard to protect its dignity by not working hand-in-hand with criminals.

“Secondly, we must lead by example so that the community will regain the lost trust of the men in blue,” said Sibanyoni.

This publication also wanted to know from the new officers what motivated them to become police officers. Const Thabo Maseko said it is more about the love they have for South Africa.

“It is our responsibility, as police officers, to reduce crime in this country and make this country very safe for every one living in it, especially women and children who add to the statistics of domestic violence every day,” Maseko said.

The MAIL asked what needs to be done to successfully police an area like Thokoza. Const Siyanda Msutu said more police visibility is needed in the township.

“More resources are needed to help the police do their job and that the community needs to work hand-in-hand with the police to make police work easier.

“Courts must also play their roles in giving out tougher sentences to criminals and set examples to those who are still thinking of committing crime,” said Msutu.

This publication also wanted to know their views on police involvement in crime.

Const Thapelo Molotsanyane said integrity, honesty, discipline, respect for the police badge and commitment are very important if you are a police officer.

“This means doing the right thing, even if no one is watching is the only thing that will make us avoid working alongside criminals,” said Molotsanyana.

New head of Visible Policing Capt Bongani Dube said the Batho Pele principle speaks highly about how the police should handle themselves.

“No police officer should be involved in criminal activities.

“As the head of Visible Policing, if I find out that the police officer who is assigned to a particular case is not doing their job or is defeating the ends of justice, it is my duty to remove that police officer from that specific case and replace him and that police will be arrested.

“Harsher sentencing should be posed on them by the court of law and that immediate dismissal should apply to them,” said Dube.

Dube believes government needs to play a role in assisting the police by making their job easier.

“Police need more training to upgrade their knowledge and more resources should be put into place for the police. This will reduce the number of attacks to the police by criminals,” added Dube.

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