New commander at the helm

Cooperation and good communication between the police and the community is what the new SAPS Ilembe cluster commander values above all else.

Major general Mandlenkosi Chirwa said as much as it is the police’s duty to fight crime, they need residents to be on their side.

“I always tell the police that team work, commitment and honesty will take our cluster forward,” said Chirwa.

Chirwa took the pilot seat of the cluster in September coming from the Inanda police station where he was station commander.

Having worked in the police service for 30 years Chirwa has the knowledge and experience to back his new position, having previously worked as a cluster commander in Limpompo and Ladysmith.

From his new position the ten stations from Maphumulo, Mandeni, KwaDukuza, Nyoni, Ndwedwe, Nsuze, Sundumbili, Newark, Umhlali and Glendale must answer to him.

“These police stations are in different areas, some are rural with limited infrastructure yet taking care off a big area. Some, like KwaDukuza, have a very busy town to take care of. So to ensure that we bring down crime these police stations need to work as a team,” said Chirwa.

He said he knows there is a lack of trust between the police and the community.

However, while there may be a few bad apples he urged the public to give the men in blue another chance.

“If you have any problems you can contact the station commander directly or even myself as cluster commander.”

Chirwa said they needed the community’s help to tackle the drug problem.

“Drug dealers are people that are difficult to arrest. Often when we try to arrest them the incriminating evidence has dissapeared.

“We need tip-offs from residents that will help us put them behind bars,” he said.

Chirwa said he is going to be visiting the communities that fall within his cluster to meet the people and build relationships with them. So far he has visited Maphumulo.

You can contact Chirwa on 079 500 0288.