Final good-bye
PARKVIEW- THE newly-appointed Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Mohlanga, has big shoes to fill after Colonel Nanda Moodley officially retired on Thursday, 30 April.
Teary eyed co-workers and officers gathered to bid a sad farewell to a man many considered a father and teacher; as well as to welcome their newly-appointed commander.
Maxie Ryan, detective commander said, “For me it’s been a decade working and knowing you.”
“[You are] a very kind man. Thank you for always being there for me, understanding me and always being kind. Thank you for the respect you have shown.”
Captain Thomas Massingi said, “When you arrived here at the station it was a mess, you taught me so much. I am now doing so much more.”
Other police members reminisced of the first time they met Moodley, describing him as a stern, and straightforward leader, who was always teaching.
Lebo Rathebe, personal assistant to Moodley, described him as a perfectionist and a very punctual man. “He was like a father to us all, we will remember him as a humble, giving and straightforward man. I will never forget how much he helped me,” said Rathebe.
A very emotional Moodley, who came to Parkview Police Station in 2005, explained that despite the challenges the post came with, he would do it all – again and for another four years if possible, he joked.
“First of all, I would like to say, thank you, it’s been an emotional time for me. Thank you for the working team that put this together, and thank you for the kind words from everybody,” Moodley said.
“When I came here in 2005, it was a challenge because the station wasn’t in good shape.
“At the end of the day, we must look at what is best for the station, we must not let the scourge of crime overtake us.
“We are not placed here by ourselves, we are placed here by the divine will of God.
“I had a strong team, and despite our differences, we overcame them. We are here to serve the public, bottom line.”
Of the newly-appointed Station Commander Colonel Mohlanga, Moodley had only good things to say. “I know I am leaving the station in very capable hands,” he said.
Mohlanga went on to explain that he got his grounding at the station and that, had he not felt ready or capable to take over, he would not have signed the appointment letter.
Mohlanga thanked Moodley for all the knowledge he had passed on to him.
“No station comes close to this station, and that is what you have paved,” said Mohlanga.
