This proves that only at eight months in office, Mhluzi’s Station Commander does not mind getting his hands dirty to get some work done at his station and keep his members motivated.

The Station Commander who took office on the 1st of December last year is a familiar face in Middelburg as he worked at the Middelburg police station for 22 years before being transferred to Belfast as a Cluster Commander in 2011 and then to the notorious Sakhile in Standerton in 2013 as a Station Commander.

Born and bred in Limpopo’s rural Driekop he joined the police force in 1987 with a motto to “work hard no matter what”.

“I work well with the community and I practice an open door policy, everyone is welcome,” said Lt Col Maepa.

“My objective is to insure safety to the Mhluzi residents regardless of colour, gender or creed.”

He touched on all major challenges faced in Mhluzi while he was reading some emails, answering calls and talking to guests as they came into his office, including school children who needed his help on a school project.

“Mhluzi is infested with drugs especially nyaope, used by our youth resulting in crimes. People also buy stolen goods but I want them to know they will get arrested.

“Our rape cases are mostly of people who know each other and drink together, ladies must be careful where they drink and who they drink with.”

“Accidents are still high in the township, people don’t respect the law.

“Killings have declined but suicides are on the rise, people must consult even with the police we will then refer them to the relevant people.

“The community must work with the police and should not take the law into their own hands.

“I am allergic to corruption thus I plead to people to report corrupt police and stop giving them bribes.”

Lt Col Maepa loves spending time with his family, he also loves nature and church.