WATCH: Alberton’s long-time officer bows out after four decades in the SAPS
Warrant Officer Nicolas Mphathenikahle Mngomezulu has served the Alberton community as a police officer since the early 1990s, after beginning his career in the South African Police in 1987. Mngomezulu’s career faced major challenges in its formative years due to a significant trust deficit between the police and community members in areas such as Katlehong.
Alberton’s long-time police officer, Warrant Officer Nicolas Mphathenikahle Mngomezulu, has handed in his badge after four decades of service.
Mngomezulu joined the SAPS in 1987 and was first stationed in Katlehong.
“I was trained at Koeberg College in Cape Town. After completing my police course, I returned to Katlehong and served there for four years.
“I was then transferred to Alberton, where I continued to serve until my retirement today,” said Mngomezulu.
Mngomezulu highlighted some of the challenges he faced as a police officer in his early years.
“There were incidents that nearly cost me my life. I remember one time we were on a regular patrol in the township, 14 of us driving in a Casspir (armoured vehicle), when it suddenly rolled over. Minutes later, we were surrounded by threatening community members who did not like the police at the time because they believed we were killing civilians.
“We were rescued by members of the South African National Defence Force, who came out of nowhere. They started shooting at members of the community who had surrounded our Casspir,” he said.
@albertonrecordWarrant Officer Nicolas Mphathenikahle Mngomezulu has served the Alberton community as a police officer since the early 1990s, after beginning his career in the South African Police in 1987. Mngomezulu’s career faced major challenges in its formative years due to a significant trust deficit between the police and community members in areas such as Katlehong. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ Spiritual BGM healed with natural sounds – Red Blue Studio
He said there was a trust deficit between the police and community members in areas such as Katlehong, Thokoza and Vosloorus, where he was stationed.
“When I was transferred to Alberton, I was posted as a gate guard. I was assisted by Sergeant Chikosi, who has since passed away. He taught me a lot about Alberton as I was still new in the town,” said Mngomezulu.
Mngomezulu said he sometimes got lost while travelling to Alberton for work.
“From Katlehong, where I lived, I would sometimes catch a taxi to Germiston, thinking I was going to Alberton. I would then have to travel back and look for the station,” he said.
Photo: Sylvester Raraza
He also guarded the homes of Alberton residents who travelled to other provinces on weekends.
Alberton SAPS station commander, Colonel Olivein Letloenyane, thanked Mngomezulu for his service.
@albertonrecordAlberton SAPS station commander, Colonel Olivein Letloenyane, bid farewell to his retiring colleague Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“It is a great honour for us to bid farewell to one of our own – a member who served Alberton with dedication, discipline and determination.
“Many young officers in service today were mentored by him. We wish him well,” said Letloenyane.
Mngomezulu also thanked his colleagues.
“To the colleagues that I am leaving behind, I wish you all the best. We worked well together and respected each other. I also want to thank the station commander of Alberton SAPS for the support,” he said.
