The Midrand Reporter spoke to upcoming gospel artist who goes by the name of Tshwarelo, best known in the Midrand community as Midrand police’s Detective Constable Elliot Mabulane.
Mabulane will be releasing his first album at the end of August titled Take Me Back To Your Will. We asked him a few pertinent questions.
Why did you decide to be a cop?
In the community I grew up in I often realised that when the people were in danger they would call upon the police.
How long have you been working as a cop?
I started in 2016 after I completed my training in 2015.
Which stations have you worked at?
I started my career at the Sandton Police Station in 2016 and moved to the Midrand Police Station in 2017. While I was in Sandton I was a field constable and also continued in a similar role when I moved to the Midrand station but at the beginning of this year, I started my role as a detective but still need to do training before I am a qualified detective.
Would you encourage someone to be a cop and why?
Yes. We are often of the mindset that all police officers do not do their jobs, which is not true. Here at the station people are always hard at work trying to catch criminals and to ensure that justice is served. At times I have the opportunity to see from the inside as well as being able to play a role in improving it, as best as I can.
Are you married and if yes, for how long and how many children do you have?
No, I am no married but I am a father to a six-year-old.
How old are you now and how old were you when you began this journey as a cop?
I was 24 years old when I started working in the police services and now I am 26 and still do not regret making the decision to be a police officer.
Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised in Limpopo in the village of Bolobedu.
Do you not fear to leave your family behind in the line of duty?
At first I did because I used to constantly hear about police officers losing their lives in the line of duty. But I removed those fears a long time ago because I love my job and believe I am destined to make a positive impact in the lives of people and being a cop allows me to do exactly that.
What was your dream career growing up and when and why did it change, if it did?
Growing up I wanted to be a psychologist but the more we grow and get exposed to the realities of this world we also attract other careers along the way, just like I did. In addition, I come from a disadvantaged background, therefore, I could not afford to go to school and study psychology.
What has been your most challenging part of being a cop?
When people contact the police to lash out at them but when we as the police try and contact them to obtain as much information as possible in order to assist them, they do not cooperate only to later come back and blame the officers.
What is your message to the community?
I am encouraging all members of the community to work hand in hand with the police to ensure that our community is a safer place.
