Brig Denge goes on pension

Brig Themba Denge officially retired as station commander at the Vosloorus SAPS on December 31, 2021.

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In an exclusive interview with Kathorus MAIL, the retired brigadier looked back at the 36 years of his career in which he has devoted his life to serving the people of Kathorus.

His career started at the Katlehong Police Station as a rookie constable at the age of 24 in 1985.

At the retiring age of 60, Denge believes he has reached the end of the road of his illustrious career. Denge told Kathorus MAIL that he believes he has walked the treadmill without fear or favour and looks forward to retirement with no regrets.

“I will always cherish the fair service I believe I have rendered to the people of Kathorus during my career in the SAPS,” explained Denge.

He added that he holds no grudges or regrets for any of the actions and decisions he instituted as a police officer to protect the communities in his constituencies during his years in service.

Not only was he the station commander at Vosloorus Police Station, but Denge was also the station commander in Sebokeng, in Vaal and also at the Primrose SAPS.

It was during his time as a young police officer that Denge seemed to show his love and determination towards his job. While his conduct and behaviour towards his job was being noticed by his seniors at SAPS headquarters both provincially and later nationally, not many of his local peers and colleagues in his immediate surroundings found his passion appealing.

Yet armed with the determination to succeed and grow, Denge said he continued to push on and do the best he could in his job as a police officer.

It was his old police colleagues and protégées, many of them are today among the top brass in the regional, provincial as well as national ranks of the SAPS, who sat beside him during a special farewell luncheon hosted by the elegant Pappas Lodge in Vosloorus.

They all heaped praises on Denge. They lauded his “unique” leadership skills and contribution to their individual development and growth in their different roles within the SAPS.

They each described how Denge’s leadership and management styles helped many of them change their irresponsible attitude towards their work. They said they soon became dedicated to their job, offering a better service to the communities they were assigned to serve as police officers.

“I have learned a lot from you, Denge,” said Brig Shiburi, who showered his colleague and mentor with praise.

Representatives of the local taxi industry in Vosloorus and Katlehong Taxi Association also expressed their gratitude to the former head of the Vosloorus SAPS for defusing tensions between rival local taxi bodies.

They spoke about how wise it was to have followed Denge’s advice that finally led to peace among warring factions within the local taxi industry.

Denge spoke on his role in combatting crime and keeping Vosloorus Police Station among the top four crime bursting precincts in the region.

He described the successful outcome of his plans as the result of teamwork and the dedicated drive of his senior management and officers as well as the local CPF.

Denge believes the station managed to survive and overcome the overwhelming crime onslaught against the community by involving crucial stakeholders in the community.

This included local ward councillors, church leaders, the business fraternity, community leaders, and the local media and radio, which he said have all been crucial players in uplifting the community.

Denge recalled how a notorious house-breaking and robbery gang that was terrorising residents around Vosloorus townships was eventually brought to book because of community involvement.

Denge thanked the community of Vosloorus for standing behind the local police in the fight against crime and lawlessness in a township that was once rated the worse crime-ridden township in the City of Ekurhuleni.

“Today, as I speak to you, I am proud to announce that we have managed to deal a decisive blow to hijackings in Vosloorus. Even the truck hijackings are now under control,” Denge added.

As he sat behind the desk in his spotless executive office at the Vosloorus police precinct a few days before Christmas, he said he was proudly looking forward to a restful retirement to enjoy life with his family.

“I’m done. I have served my part.”

He also spoke on how in the line of duty he has dealt with everything from catching petty criminals in the streets of Katlehong to quelling taxi-wars and forming buffer lines between warring gangsters. He was also involved in bringing a sense of calm during the political violence between supporters of the ANC and later between the rival

Inkatha Freedom Party which engulfed the whole of Kathorus.
To the community of Kathorus, Denge said he hopes they will continue to support the police to ensure greater safety and security.