WO Solly, here to serve and protect
"I am fortunate that I have never been injured in the line of duty" - WO Solly Mahle
POLOKWANE – Warrant Officer (WO) Solly Mahlo celebrates 23 years in the police service this year.
Mahlo is the WO at the Polokwane Police Station and says growing up, being a police officer was his first choice and he worked hard to achieve this dream of donning the blue uniform.
Mathlo grew up in Moletjie, one of the many rural towns in Limpopo. He enlisted straight after high school. His cousin was one of the people who inspired him to join the police and he says this cousin is one of his role models.
He says being a police officer is a very stressful career choice as there are always risks involved. “One of the worst cases I was involved in was a robbery wherein someone was shot. I am fortunate that I have never been injured in the line of duty. Although there were times when I feared for my life, it is a very satisfying job.”
According to Mahlo, a police officer is never truly off duty.
“We work shifts and we do get time off, but if you love your work, you respond to the call for the love of the work, not because it is just a job.”
His motivation is knowing his work helps decrease crime and keeps people safe.
“I love to spending time with my family. My daughters are eight, 15 and 21 and we have a good, strong relationship. If it does happen that one or all three of them want to become police officers, I would encourage and support them.”
He also loves playing soccer and keeping fit as he believes fitness is essential in his line of work.
Mahlo is on duty in the southern upper town and Penina Park areas.
