HEIDELBERG – The Heidelberg SAPS introduced its new station commander, Colonel Makgora Paul Selota, during a media briefing on January 10.
Selota takes over from Brigadier Phiwe Ndwandwe. He served as Heidelberg station head from 2006 to 2012. Thereafter, he served as station commander at Ratanda SAPS from 2012 to 2022.
The police then transferred him to be the station commander at Sharpeville SAPS. Selota is ready to grab the bull by the horns and make a difference in Heidelberg.
“With the hard work of Ndwandwe, it will not be easy to fill his police boots but I am ready to take up the challenge and make a difference. With the various stakeholders already in place in Heidelberg, we are ready to fight criminals and criminal activities in the area,” he said.
Selota will soon meet with the local CPF, sector commanders and security companies to find common ground in making Heidelberg a safer place.
“For me, it is important that the local police and community work together and establish a strong relationship. Curbing crime in the area is in everybody’s best interest.
“The police cannot fight alone to eradicate crime in Heidelberg. We need the community to be our eyes and ears, but the community must not take the law into its own hands. That is what the police are there to do,” said Selota.
He urged the community to report all criminal activities to the police, no matter how small.
“It seems there is a tendency for the community to report criminality for insurance claims. If criminal activity is not reported, it reflects negatively on the police station.
“Criminal statistics play an important role when resources need to be allocated to areas. If a crime is not reported, it could be the difference in getting manpower or vehicles allocated to the region.
“Being the new station commander will come with its various challenges but if we as the police and community work together, it will help me in my duties. I know it will not be a quick fix, but by joining forces, we will alleviate many issues in the area.
“I am ready to make a difference and will endeavour to be the station commander that works with the community,” concluded Selota.
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