Single mom flourishing in uniform

In the light of Women’s Month, the Advertiser had a chat with Sergeant Nomsa Mahlangu of Boksburg North SAPS, a single mother thriving in her job.

The 43-year-old Windmill Park resident joined the Boksburg North SAPS in 2013.

She previously worked in Middelburg, Mpumalanga and Piet Retief.

Nomsa said she has not experienced challenges in her career as a female officer because she is focused on doing her job – to serve and protect the community.

“Male police officers respect you if you do your job,” she said.

Nomsa would like to see more women applying to join the force as she believes they play a big role in law enforcement.

“Policewomen are especially important when it comes to rape and GBV cases. Many rape victims prefer to speak to a woman as they can experience secondary trauma if they are interviewed by a male officer.”

She urged women to speak out and report GBV and domestic violence.

“These are serious issues and in many cases, the victims withdraw the case. They shouldn’t do this as it allows the perpetrator to continue committing this abuse.”

Nomsa admitted that it is challenging to balance work and home life as she is a single mom of two young children.

“It’s difficult to manage everything because I work long hours. My mother used to assist me but, unfortunately, she died last year.

“I have to hire a babysitter to look after my children when I am unable to.”

Nomsa said she would like to become a better mom while working hard to move up the ranks in the SAPS.

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