Katlehong police promoted to higher ranks

Police officers from Katlehong North SAPS were promoted to higher ranks during a small parade at the station, on November 9.

Sergeant Lucia Sekalo, Head of Data Capturing Beauty Maboea, Lieutenant Colonel Noko Tsipa, Captain Grattle Mashile, Captain Tseleng Selepe and Chief Administration Clerk Thabo Kuba were among the members who received new badges.

Present during the parade was Acting Station Commander Colonel Johan Botha, Head of Support Lieutenant Colonel Nontobeko Mokoka, Vispol Commander Captain Lesetja Mathobela, Supply Chain Manager Head Captain Mabaso, HRM Head Captain Sithole, CPF Chairperson Otto Sebeko among others.

Three of the officers will be starting their duties at other police stations where they have been deployed.

Tsipa will be deployed to the Provincial Head Office at the Operational Command Centre, while Maboea joins Edenvale SAPS as the Head of Data Capturing, and Mashile will move to Kempton Park at the Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre.

Mashile said it was an honour for her to serve the community of Katlehong North as the community is very close to her heart.

“It is a place where you can find yourself, there is room to learn, even the community that is working with the police and CPF are doing their best,” said Mashile.

She urged communities to report information to police citing that they will act on every crime tip-off or any crime information received at the station.

Mashile said that adapting to a new environment is challenging however she is ready to hit the ground running.

“The first challenge is getting to know the problems of the area. It is vital for me to understand what the problems of the community are so that we can come up with resolutions to solve them,” said Mashile.

Selepe said she will be the relief commander for the client service centre (CSC).

“I am honoured to have received this promotion. I am committed to assisting the community of Katlehong with anything. The CSC will be there to assist them,” said Selepe.

While celebrating these successes, staff at the station are saddened by the redeployment of some the members to other stations.

Mokoka said this is a new beginning for the promoted officers.

She encouraged everyone to empower themselves as they open new chapters in their careers.

“The promotion that you are getting today is not just additional money to your salaries but it comes with responsibilities. Be the light wherever you are going, and those that are still with us, be the light to those that are coming behind you,” said Mokoka.

She said the officers will be missed and no one will close their gap because everyone is unique with unique ideas, personalities and characters.

“We are going to miss you guys. Our station is losing assets but it is fine because everyone has to grow. We are letting you go with open hands. We love you. The promotion does not come from anyone but your doings. Whenever you do good, God will observe and he will reward you.”

Sebeko said the members are promoted due to their hard work.

“Go and improve on what you have been doing. These ranks go with accountability and responsibility. You are going to lead with a team for the benefit and success of the SAPS organisation and the community that you are serving and protecting,” said Sebeko.

Botha congratulated the officers and encouraged them to keep the station’s name high.

“Somebody once told me to let people know you, not by the noise you make but the work you do. Remember you are getting a bigger rank, it is not the time to sit back. Now is the time to stand up and be the light, let people see why you got that rank.”