Lieutenant Colonel Lesetja Ledwaba, who has served the Parkview Police Station for 33 years, said patience was one of the most important traits to possess as a police member.
Ledwaba began his policing career in Polokwane in 1985 and moved to Parkview in 1987. He currently works as Vispol head, overseeing the duties of crime prevention, shifts and day-to-day work of those in uniform at the station.
He will retire at the close of March and return to his home in Limpopo.
Ledwaba reflected on his arrival in Parkview saying, “I came here for a challenge and I got one.”
He explained that the landscape of the area was very different in the 80s and early 90s, with members of Parkview often having to lend a hand in town when bombings during the apartheid era took place. He said when he arrived in Parkview, they only had one van to patrol the area but have since expanded their fleet.
“In the beginning, we did not get involved much with the community but things have changed for the better and we are now engaging with people and are better able to solve crime.
“Over the years I have learnt patience. It is so important to be patient in order to get more information from people and be able to work better with people. Police must always treat people politely and learn to feel what people feel. No one chooses to become a victim. We need to have sympathy.”
Ledwaba believed that working in the police was a calling that needed to come from within one’s self.
“The community also needs to understand that officers are trying their best and they are still people. Complainants need to explain things to police in detail and leave nothing hidden so that we can solve crime. I encourage the community to have faith in the police.”
He urged the members at Parkview Police Station to be patient, honest and disciplined.
“You are the future for our community. Give community members an ear.”
Spokesperson for the Parkview police Captain Tintswalo Sibeko commended Ledwaba for his reliability.
“When Lieutenant Colonel Ledwaba attends a crime scene all night, he is still there in the morning to report for duty. He shares all the correct information from the scene and members call on him for advice. We will really miss him here,” said Sibeko.
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