Secunda police welcome its new station commander
With a hands-on approach, Colonel Nomakhwezi Vena-Sigo wants to combat crime and build proper working relations with the local CPF, stakeholders and the community.
The Secunda Police Station welcomes its new station commander Colonel Nomakhwezi Vena-Sigo (49), appointed in her role on September 1.
Her service in the SAPS began in 2002. She received her basic training in Graaff-Reinet and was assigned as a constable at Cambridge Police Station.
After completing her basic training at All Saints Basic Training in 2005, she became a trainer at All Saints Basic Training. She was then assigned as a field trainer at the East London Police Station.
In 2010 Sigo worked at the National Key Point, which is more security-based, and during this time, she obtained her BTech in policing and completed her BTech in High Risk Security Management.
Working her way up over the years, Sigo was appointed as the district coordinator for the Gauteng district, where she gained more experience and had to adapt to the multi-languages spoken when working closely with the community.
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In 2019, she was appointed as station commander for the Barrage Police Station, Gauteng, before moving to Secunda as station commander.
Sigo was appointed during the annual shutdown and said it is unfortunate that during this period, there are fewer meetings with the local CPF and stakeholders, especially when crime is increasing.
“We have fewer police, limited resources and budget. It is vital that we work together,” said Sigo.
Describing herself as a ‘street kid’ Sigo said she believes in a more hands-on approach when working the street and prefers being outside in the public than in an office.
A concern for Sigo is security companies with personnel not PSIRA registered. This is the official document issued by the private security industry regulatory authority.
She also highlighted the most common high crimes in the area:
• Remote jamming
• Motor vehicle break-ins
• Theft out of motor vehicles
• Home burglaries and robberies
• Cyber/sms fraud.
“We need to be more vigilant about our surroundings,” said Sigo.
She said when locking your vehicle, make sure you lock it properly before leaving it. Do not leave valuables, laptops or items visible to the criminal eye.
When leaving your home unoccupied, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked. Look out for your neighbour and report suspicious activity to local CPF, neighbourhood groups or the police.
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Concerning fraud, Sigo said: “Stop relying on and trusting your gadgets. If it is too good to be true, don’t believe it.”
She said cases involving cyber or sms fraud rarely get solved.
“To my colleagues, God gives us this opportunity. Many people want to be police officers; let us not just occupy this space and do what we have to do and paid to do,” said Sigo.
She said as police they have taken the oath to serve, investigate and take the matter further.
“Let’s not have the community cry about us. Let us serve the community as we promised. I am proud of my members who show commitment,” concluded Sigo.
