Detective branch commander retires after 38 years
Mkhonza urged his team to remain disciplined and committed to their duties.
Despite starting his career within the SAPS during Apartheid, support and encouragement from a commanding officer led to Colonel Ronald Mkhonza enjoying a long and highly decorated career.
Now, 38 years after attending his first parade at the Benoni Police Station, the commander of the detective branch is exchanging his badge for books, as he embraces his retirement.
Born and raised in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mkhonza seldom saw police officers and vehicles patrolling the dusty roads near his home.
“I was travelling by train to Johannesburg and could not believe how many police officers I saw,” he said.
“There were officers on the trains, platforms and vans were patrolling the streets. Never in my life had I seen so many SAPS members.”
New to the city of gold, he responded to an invitation to complete an aptitude test at the Benoni SAPS offices.
“Based on the results I was given the opportunity to join the service. I am a person that appreciates discipline and order, it was therefore an easy choice. My career as a police officer started 1984 in Benoni,” he said.
Working as a constable, Mkhonza was soon encouraged to complete a detective certificate.
“I was commended by the station’s management for the manner in which I completed dockets and interactions with victims and witnesses in cases that I responded to,” he says with great pride.
“I joined the detective branch in 1986, ensuring that every docket that crossed my desk was investigated in such a way that justice can be served unhindered.”
Mkhonza was soon promoted to captain followed by transfers to Kempton Park, Daveyton and Germiston.
In 2018, he returned to Benoni, this time to take on the position of branch commander.
Building strong working relationships with the detectives under his command, Mkhonza says that attention to detail and discipline should be at the forefront of every investigation.
“Justice cannot prevail if our work is not done to the best of our ability,” he said.
“I would often sit with my members, scouring over dockets and statements for hours, considering every angle and ensuring that every aspect of investigation has been covered.
“At the end of the day we want to present prosecutors with evidence that will secure convictions.”
Outside the office he can be found on the soccer pitch, performing various roles from coach, referee, player and even team management.
“I am passionate about learning new skills which in turn puts me in a position to mentor others,” he said.
“We become better individuals and team mates when we are able to identify our strengths while actively undertaking to work on our weaknesses.”
As he prepares to slip into the slower pace of life, he says that he will not be found enjoying naps in the afternoon sun.
“I love learning and have enrolled in short courses specialising in public management,” he said.
“Interacting with people gives me great pleasure and I hope to learn new skills that will able me to interact on a deeper level and from a place of better understanding.”
Brigadier Thabo Mphuthi, Benoni SAPS station commander, thanked Mkhonza for his years of dedicated service and wishes him well on all his future endeavours.
Before exiting the station for the last time, Mkhonza thanked his colleagues for their support.
“I urge my detectives to remain disciplined. Remember to complete every investigation as if it is the worst crime ever committed,” he said.
“Every victim of crime deserves your full attention.”
ALSO READ: Rapid Response commander retires after 40 years of service
ALSO READ: Dr Terrance Kourie retires his scalpel
