New head for Bedfordview Vispol Unit

The Bedfordview SAPS has welcomed a new member to its management team; Colonel Mandla Mhlongo.

Col Mhlongo joined the station as the new head of the Visible Policing (Vispol) Unit, replacing the former head, Colonel Ausker Pratt, who retired on April 30.

He was previously stationed at the Germiston Police Station.

Col Mhlongo said he always saw policing as a career.

“After matriculating, I joined the police service in 1988 and have enjoyed it since,” said Col Mhlongo.

He said while working in the SAPS, he studied and obtained a BTech in Policing and plans to study even further.

Asked what advice he could offer new recruits, Col Mhlongo said although policing was not an easy job, it helps when one has a passion for it.

“Have direction as well as a positive attitude and you will go a long way within the service. Also, I advise new recruits to stay away from corrupt individuals to avoid being tempted with bribes and other sorts of activities,” he said.

Col Mhlongo said he aspires to be a station commander one day.

“One learns something new everyday and always has to have aspirations and goals to grow in life,” he said.