Spokesperson for the Norwood Police Station Sergeant Eric Masotsha told the Gazette that it was a rough road to get to where he is today.
“It is only by the grace of God that I am where I am,” he explained.
Masotsha grew up in Venda and dreamt of becoming a police officer in primary school when he saw a traffic officer sounding a siren as he passed by his home. “I dreamt of becoming a protector of the public, but then things went wrong.”
He studied to become a traffic officer after school, but circumstances were not in his favour and he ended up moving to the farming community of Swartkop where he worked at a chocolate factory.
While working as a casual at the factory, he shared a locker with a colleague who placed a box of chocolates in his bag. When his bag was searched at the end of the day, his boss found the chocolates in his bag and dismissed him.
After a few months of struggling after being falsely accused of theft, Masotsha received a phone call from his previous boss telling him that they had found video evidence showing that he had not stolen the chocolates.
When Masotsha returned to work at the chocolate factory, he saw an advert about becoming a police officer. He applied and was pleased to get an interview in Johannesburg.
“Before the interview, I told myself to be brave. This was my opportunity to shine. I told the interview panel that my passion is to work for the community and look after them and prevent crime. I believe that all South African citizens must feel safe.”
He got the job and was trained in 2003 in Pretoria and in 2004 in Graaff-Reinet before taking up his role at the Norwood Police Station in the crime prevention department.
Since then he has received many letters of appreciation from the community. In 2019, he was appointed as the communications officer of the station.
“I enjoy working with the community and giving them the best service. In order to prevent crime, police need to work together with the community. I am so pleased with the response we have received from the Norwood CPF. Together we can make a difference. This is all about people first.”
Masotsha said that when he was falsely accused of theft, it taught him not to judge people and rather let justice take its course.
“I treat everyone equally and treat suspects with dignity,” he said.
“The process was hard, but by the grace of God, I am here. I have overcome these tribulations and used them as a learning curve. I believe that this glorified God.”
Masotsha encouraged community members to not hesitate to report any suspicious activity that might put them in danger.
Details: 086 001 0111 or 011 483 4600.
