After 37 years of service, Captain Hlabangwana prepares to retire from Alberton SAPS

After nearly four decades of service with the police force, Captain Samson Morris Hlabangwana is stepping away from the SAPS.

At 57, the seasoned officer is taking early retirement, closing a remarkable chapter that began in 1988 and spanned the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy, several major operations and almost two decades of service in Alberton.

Hlabangwana was born and raised in Papazela, a village in Malamlele, Limpopo.

After completing high school in 1987, he joined the police force on October 12, 1988, at 19 years old.

“I started as a municipal police officer in the Katlehong Police Station,” he recalled.

“In 1989, when the South African Police took over the municipal police, I became part of the SAPS.”

From those early days, Hlabangwana’s path took him across the country.

He served in the Railway Mobile Unit and later completed training at the Ottosdal SAPS College.

His career included stints with the Johannesburg Flying Squad and Crime Prevention units, and the Public Order Policing (POP), where he was involved in high-stakes operations.

Serving the nation from KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape

Hlabangwana’s duties took him far beyond Alberton.

He worked in KwaZulu-Natal during violent political clashes between the ANC and the United Democratic Movement (UDM), was deployed to Cape Town amid gang conflict involving the People Against Gangsterism and Drugs group and participated in security operations at the OR Tambo International Airport under Operation Octopus.

He also served in elite units under Gauteng’s provincial commissioner and was often appointed as a commander during cluster roadblock operations.

“Even though the job was risky, I didn’t let fear stop me,” Hlabangwana said. “Every day I went to work, I knew there was a chance I might not come back. But protecting people and their property was always my mission.”

Nearly two decades in Alberton

Hlabangwana has been stationed in Alberton for the past 19 years, where he earned the respect of colleagues and community members.

“I worked under more than 12 station commanders over the years. Some of them personally appointed me to work with them,” he said.

“I’ve held positions as crime prevention, operational and Visible Policing commanders.”

Hlabangwana is known for his problem-solving abilities and commitment to service.

“I worked hard and always gave my best,” he said. “Sometimes, when I wasn’t even in a meeting, others would say, ‘There’s a guy called Shabango, he can help you solve this problem.’ That meant a lot to me.”

Lessons, legacy and life after retirement

Despite the accomplishments, Hlabangwana is candid about the challenges, particularly the frustration of stagnant promotions.

“It can be demoralising when someone is promoted ahead of you despite your years of work. That’s one area where the system needs to improve.”

Still, he leaves the force feeling proud and grateful.

“I’ve achieved a lot. I come from a poor background. I arrived here wearing plastic shoes and a borrowed shirt. Today, I have houses and cars, and my children are well. I never imagined I’d come this far.”

Hlabangwana is married and a father of four, including a set of twins, and is a grandfather of three.
He has lived in Vosloorus for the past 16 years.

Words to the next generation

To the younger generation considering a career in law enforcement, Hlabangwana offers simple but profound advice.

“Don’t rush success. Be patient. Respect your superiors, and take life step by step. You won’t get everything all at once – the house, the car, the job, the promotion. It takes time, discipline and heart.”

As he prepares to take a well-deserved rest for the next five to six months before deciding on his next steps, Hlabangwana looks back with satisfaction and forward with hope.

“I enjoyed being a police officer,” he said with a smile. “It was an honour to serve my country and community.”

Farewell celebration

Colleagues and family members will gather to celebrate a man who dedicated his life to protecting others at a farewell party in Hlabangwana’s honour on May 30, a gesture of appreciation for his decades of service.