Paw success for Limpopo’s female K9 Commanders
Warrant Officer (WO), Neo Mojalefa (45) and WO Mmashela Mere (49) have been at the helm of their respective station’s K9 units for a decade.
POLOKWANE – The two WO’s from the Sekhukhune District have been working with dogs for thirteen years now and have served in their positions in the South African Police Service (Saps) with honour and pride, says Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
In August each year, Limpopo Saps acknowledge and celebrate the important role that female police officers play and continue to play in the organization and society at large. Ngoepe explained that there are 12 K9 units in Limpopo and both Majalefa and Mere, the only two female Commanders in the Province to lead these units, have received specialized training in handling and training dogs dealing with explosives, detection, narcotics, patrol and tracking.
The duo say they were inspired to join the K-9 unit because of their love for dogs and the fact that one becomes a multitasker and can assess and tackle various situations.
WO Mojalefa is attached to the Masemola SAPS and joined the organization in 2001. She worked in various departments before joining the K9 Unit in 2007 at a rank of Sergeant and after a decade, was promoted to WO to lead the Masemola K9 Unit.
Mojafela obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Policing in 2016 and says her favourite dog is a Border Colly as they are smart, friendly and have manageable bodies.
WO Mere joined Saps in 2001 and like most of her colleagues, worked in various departments before joining the Modimolle K9 Unit in 2008. Shortly after that, she moved to Mahwelereng at the rank of Sergeant.
In 2009, she was also promoted to a rank of Warrant Officer in order to be the Commander of Burgersfort K9 Unit. She is fond of a Belgium Shepard because it is always active and can cope in all weather conditions.
The duo explained that they owe their long-lasting friendship to mutual dedication and respect for others and were both awarded second position during the National Inspection on Management of police dogs and facilities. Ngoepe says they were also able to trace and effect several arrests and recently followed information about a reported stolen motor vehicle while patrolling at Burgersfort Crossing Mall. “They managed to apprehend the suspect and recover the VW Polo, reported stolen in Pretoria,” he said.
The duo urges other women to be proud of their achievements. “Let the achievements of those who went before you inspire you to unlock your own strength and motivate you to make a difference in your work, family and community. Go out and make a difference,” they said.
