AFTER 32 years of service, Detective Warrant Officer Sifiso Mbambo from the Pinetown SAPS salutes an illustrious career as he heads into retirement, a step he said feels like “something has been stolen” from him as he parts ways with his passion.

Mbambo, who was recently honoured following the conviction and stiff sentencing of a cold-blooded killer in a case he investigated, said he joined the police service driven by a fervour to fight crime.

“I knew that crime can cripple the entire society and that this can have a negative effect for generations to come, which meant my kids would be affected,” recollected Mbambo on his decision to join the police.

One of Mbambo’s highlights was when after he completed his police training, while his peers headed home or some to stations, he continued with an additional course which sharpened his skills.

His first post at the fingerprints office in Durban serves as testimony of time’s constant trudging forward, with change and technological advancements in its trail.

“Back then, working as a fingerprints examiner meant doing manual searches of fingerprints, unlike today because we use computers,” said Mbambo.

Mbambo joined the Pinetown SAPS as a detective in 1995 and began working as an investigator.

Another career highlight for Mbambo was around 2005 when he was part of a team tasked with tracking a suspect who targeted car dealerships in Pinetown, approaching these as an interested buyer who would go on a test drive, later drop off the salespeople, and get away with the vehicle.

“Every victim we had questioned gave the description of the same suspect, whom we traced and located in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. We recovered about four or five vehicles, Double Cabs mainly, when we found the suspect. But we also impounded several cars when we were working in that area for more than a week,” recalled Mbambo.

Also read: Detective awarded for conviction of cold-blooded killer

Being part of a house robbery unit which made headlines from 2006 to 2010 for its stellar work, earning it the descriptor ‘Durban’s best’, marks another milestone for Mbambo.

“House robberies were rife during that period. We carried out investigations in 25 stations. During that period we managed to secure convictions that total to 888 years imprisonment and we had 11 life sentences, that is why we were regarded as Durban’s best,” said Mbambo.

In light of the nature of police work, Mbambo said he always assumed he would be promoted to glory before going into retirement.

“So it has come as a big surprise, honestly. It is a big moment. But it also shows that time flies,” said Mbambo.

He said he plans to spend his retirement by resting first, then going into farming and doing other work to avoid the clutches of idleness.

“But when it comes to police work it changes you; in a way you end up thinking you won’t be able to live without it. It feels like something has been stolen from me. It feels like I am parting ways with my passion,” said Mbambo.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu said Mbambo’s career has reflected “commitment, loyalty, resilience, and a lifetime devoted to serving and protecting the community”.

“Mbambo is truly one of a kind, respected by many, feared by criminals, and admired deeply by colleagues for his calm nature, wisdom, professionalism, and willingness to assist others,” said Naidu.

Mbambo’s journey with the SAPS came to an end on Friday (May 29).

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