New top brass boost for Umhlali Saps

Two new top brass have arrived at Umhlali Saps, ready to hit the ground running.

Station commander colonel Fikile Xulu, and Visible Policing (VisPol) commander lieutenant colonel Sithembiso Nxumalo, both took up their posts in January.

Originally from Empangeni, Xulu has been with Saps since 2000, working her way through the ranks at a number of northern KwaZulu-Natal stations before her most recent two-and-a-half year posting as VisPol commander in Durban North.

While in Empangeni in the mid-2000s, she was a member of one of the first teams to implement a national campaign against social crimes, which included rehabilitating the image of police.

“When I began, people in rural areas were still terrified of police and would not speak to us. We took on the challenge to work with the communities, particularly relating to sensitive crimes such as rape, assault and family cases,” said Xulu.

It was during her time at stations in KwaMbonambi and Ezibayeni that Xulu became comfortable with working in deep rural areas, while Durban North and Richard’s Bay gave her experience in urban roles.

“My little experience of Umhlali so far is that we have a diverse range of communities, both urban and rural, and need to work on programmes that address crime in both areas,” she said.

She cited Nkobongo, Shaka’s Head and Shayamoya as the three crime hotspots requiring priority interventions.

“I still have a strong focus on tackling social crimes, particularly gender-based and child violence. I look forward to meeting and working with all structures and security stakeholders going forward,” she said.

Nxumalo hails from Mandeni and said he was grateful to be back in the iLembe district for the first time since joining Saps in 1994.

His first posting was in Mahlabathini, later joining the crime prevention force at Umlazi in 1996.

He worked there for 11 years, mostly as a detective, before moving to the Rapid Rail Police Unit in Durban where he started as a section leader, later becoming the crime prevention co-ordinator.

Nxumalo’s most recent posting was in crime prevention and analysis in KwaMashu, where he spent four years.

As VisPol commander, Nxumalo oversees the daily operations and efficacy of officers and the services they render.

“I intend to actively seek out crime generating elements where alcohol and drugs are being sold illegally, causing further issues. I want to be preventative, rather than reactive and will do my level best to cut crime rates in the station’s area,” he said.

Nxumalo added informal settlements and rural areas on the North Coast contributed to the difficulty of catching criminals.

“In areas with more developed infrastructure there are only so many places a criminal can go when you are searching for them. Where the design of areas are more open, this adds to the challenge,” he said.

Both Xulu and Nxumalo admitted the station lacked human resources, but endeavoured to overcome this strategically.

“We are understaffed and there are not enough police to service the area. If I have to go into these areas myself, then that is something I am willing to do. But the police do not work in isolation and I will work with other crime fighting structures in place,” said Nxumalo.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.