Hillcrest station commander leaves police services

AFTER 29 years service in the police department, Hillcrest SAPS station commander, Col Thandeka Mbele has resigned to take up an undisclosed position in the private sector.

Mbele, who resides in Glenmore and is the mother to three children, started working as a police constable at the Durban North police station in 1987.

She worked her way to the top while serving at various police stations. She was appointed station commander at the Hillcrest SAPS in 2012.

Although when growing up, she had other careers in mind, she chose to follow in her late father’s footsteps.

She said as a mother, her job was very challenging as her position required her to be on alert 24 hours.

“But with the experience that I have attained, I got used to it and I had time for my work and for my family,” she said.

“Within the organisation, I have been given a chance to grow. I have attended various courses, from junior level up to managerial level.

Mbele is not just a hard core policewoman but is also a beauty queen as she was crowned Miss South African Police, Hammanskraal in 1987.

She has also been commended for many achievements throughout her career such as operation co-ordinator at station level, successfully implemented sector policing at Ntuzuma and Hillcrest police stations respectively.

In 2010, she represented SA in the International Women’s Association Police Conference in Kentucky, Atlanta.

In the 29 years Mbele has been a policewoman she has received awards which included a medal for 10 years of faithful service, a 10-year commemoration medal, a medal for 20 years loyal service and a medal for 2010 world soccer cup.

Mbele recently initiated a project called Business Against Crime, with various stakeholders. “So far the results have been great, the last raid that I took part in was Thursday evening at Embo, after we received complaints about criminal activities in the area.

“I am sure that the project is in good hands and everyone will continue working together to decrease crime in the Hillcrest area.”

She added that her new job would give her time to pursue her other interests and passions.

“I will be looking at developing myself, as I wish to further my studies.

“Now I will also have time to go to gym. I will also have time to go to church on Sundays,” said Mbele.

She said she would like to give a special thanks to Joey from Careline for their continued support by providing counselling for the victims at the trauma centre.

She also thanked all the stakeholders that supported and worked with her; Department of Education, Metro Police, ward councillors, CPF, amakhosi, izinduna, community safer city, office of the premier for community and safety liaison, street watches, neighbourhood watches, security companies, church ministries, Health Department, SAcan, justice department, Business Against Crime task team, community volunteers and all the companies and individuals who assisted and sponsored the crime campaigns.