A METRO police officer based in the Pinetown area (Inner West Region) was recently saluted for his stellar leadership qualities which are said to have “contributed significantly to improving community relations, boosting police visibility, and strengthening internal team cohesion”.

Colonel Siyabonga Dlamini, who has served in the eThekwini Metro Police Department for 18 years, was the second finalist for the Best Manager of the Year award at the eThekwini Municipality Excellence Awards ceremony last month.

The department’s spokesperson, Victor Zungu, said Dlamini was nominated for his strong leadership, hands-on management style, and proactive approach to community safety.

Zungu said among the key reasons for his nomination was his intervention “in a witness protection case, ensuring 24-hour safety for a member whose life was in danger after witnessing a serious crime”.

“Colonel Dlamini took it upon himself to provide protection, demonstrating a deep commitment to the safety of his team. Durban Metro Police management and members on the ground commended Colonel Dlamini’s action of ensuring the safety of the member,” explained Zungu.

Other notable feats by Dlamini, added Zungu, include his leading of “community-focused operations in areas like Nazareth, where residents raised concerns about the lack of police visibility”.

“In response, he launched and intensified blue lights convoy patrols, stop and searches in the area using members from all divisions. This operation restored community confidence and was well received during a follow up imbizo,” said Zungu.

 Additionally, when Queensburgh residents raised complaints about trucks illegally parking overnight in the residential area, “Colonel Dlamini took direct action after initial engagements with truck owners failed”.

“He personally oversaw the towing of vehicles until the matter was resolved, a clear example of his decisive and solution-driven leadership,” said Zungu.

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Further, Dlamini’s vital role in persistently managing changes within the department “helped ease the transition and improve operational efficiency”, said Zungu.

“As a senior officer in the Inner West Region, Colonel Dlamini oversees a broad range of policing functions, including operational planning, staff management, community safety initiatives, and crime prevention operations. He is known for being present on the ground, approachable to both his members and the public, and consistently responsive to service delivery challenges,” said Zungu.

Zungu said Dlamini was deployed to the Pinetown Division as Acting Colonel in 2022. According to Zungu, the Pinetown region faces complex crime and safety challenges.

“His leadership has contributed significantly to improving community relations, boosting police visibility, and strengthening internal team cohesion. Colonel Dlamini’s management style is defined by accountability, visibility, and responsiveness, qualities that have earned him respect within both the department and the communities he serves.

“Metro Police management praised Colonel Dlamini for obtaining the Best Manager of the Year second finalist award at the eThekwini Municipality Excellence Awards ceremony last month, his achievement placed the Durban Metro Police Department on the map for a splendid job,” he said.

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