So, what’s it really like working as a… police sergeant?

Seargent Clement Vusumuzi Zungu is no ordinary detective at Umhlali SAPS.

The local crime fighter has served the community for more than 23 years and considers his job a vocation.

If you are looking for a nine to five routine, which allows you to switch off at the end of the day then this career path may not be for you.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a career that challenges you constantly, and if you are a true team player with the ability to remain resilient in pressured situations, then you could certainly do a lot worse than consider a job in the police force.

Asked to describe a typical day, Seargent Zungu said there is no daily routine in the police.

“To be a police officer you need to be happy placing yourself in situations others would run from, under pressure you have to make clear decisions, you need to be able to communicate and empathise with those in need of your help,” said Zulu.

A lot of people who choose law enforcement as a career do so with the goal of becoming a detective or criminal investigator, and with good reason.

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from solving a complex case.

While Zungu’s case load is not for the faint-hearted, dealing with an average of 12 cases per week, the secret to his high success rate in closing cases seems to entail getting into the mind of a criminal and understanding his modus operandi.

The secret to coping?

“Criminals are getting smarter and the technology they use is becoming more sophisticated so we have to stay two steps ahead of them.

“That is not always easy given our limited resources, but there are ways to work a case and pick up on their shortcomings.”

Asked to describe the biggest challenge he faces in his work Zungu cited the criminal justice system as the Achilles in his career.

“The problems stretch from getting cases through the courts to even when criminals are sentenced they come out after serving time and go straight back to their criminal ways as they are not rehabilitated.”

Despite the rigors of his job, Zungu remains optimistic.

“Criminals are apprehended because of good detective work so it’s important not to lose focus.

“Organised crime has also increased in our region with many syndicates operating with impunity, but it’s our job to remain one step ahead of them,” said Zungu.

*Sgt Zungu’s name was originally incorrectly published as Zulu.