Brigadier Phumelele Matamela, the Potchefstroom SAPS station commander, is ready to ensure that the community is seen and that their voices are heard.

Brig. Matamela was appointed in September 2024 and has since settled into her position with confidence and clarity.

“In my role, I need to focus on crime prevention, but also be able to lead and support SAPS members at both an internal and external level,” adds Matamela, who has served 31 years in the SAPS.

Matamela, originally from Shawela in Soweto, started her journey in blue in 1995. She has worked her way through the ranks and primarily served in the West Rand, in Westonaria and Carletonville.

She was also the station commander of Bekkersdal SAPS and Fochville SAPS.

“Being a station commander can be quite challenging. It depends a lot on who you surround yourself with and the team you have. It is a joy for me to contribute to making my community safe.”

Brig. Matamela is also well aware that she cannot do it all alone and that she is only as good as her team.

“To be effective, you have to understand the community that you operate in. Coming from mining towns previously, I knew that Potch had a different dynamic. What worked there will not necessarily work here. It is vital that, as police, we go the extra mile and leave no stone unturned.”

One of the aspects, besides crime prevention, that Matamela would like to focus on further is educating the community on what the police embodies.

“A lot of times, people might have a misperception of what the police do or stand for. You can have a career in the police without having to be on the ground chasing suspects. You can empower yourself in various areas within the SAPS.”

When Matamela is off duty, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. This is where she can unwind and find joy amid the rewarding hustle and bustle of a life in blue.

“My kids are 27 and 16, and now I am also privileged to assist with my grandkids. They bring me a lot of joy.”