Pretoria officer retires after 40 years of service
Colonel Nekhumbe showed dedication and professionalism throughout his 40 years of service in the SAPS, according to his colleagues.
A veteran SAPS officer and visible policing (Vispol) commander, Colonel Nditsheni Nekhumbe (60) has retired after 40 years in the public policing sector.
The Brooklyn SAPS, where he served the last years of his service, bade him farewell and celebrated his retirement recently.
March 31 was Nekhumbe’s last day.
Brooklyn SAPS Social Crime Prevention spokesperson, Sergeant Motshabi Mofokeng said Nekhumbe served 40 years in the organisation with pride and dignity.
“Colonel Nekhumbe joined the SAPS on November 15 1985, and has worked for 39 years and 139 days at several police stations in Tshwane District including Mamelodi, Pretoria Moot, Silverton, Ekangala and ended up at Brooklyn.”
She said in April 2020, he was promoted to colonel and took up his post as Vispol Commander of Brooklyn SAPS where he served with pride and dignity.
“During his service, he received five decorations: a 10-year commemoration medal, 20 years of loyal service, a centenary medal and 30 years of loyal service. He received a medal for working during the Soccer World Cup in 2010 as well.”
Nekhumbe reflected on his journey and the highlights of his career as a police officer.
“I started my career in 1985 in Mamelodi after training and the whole journey had a lot of challenges but it also contributed to my career growth. I had to learn that crime patterns differ according to locations.”
Nekhumbe said he has had the chance to be a role player in many positions.
“In SAPS Pretoria Moot I was captain and major, Silverton a vispol commander, Ekangala as station commander and then Brooklyn where I continued as vispol commander.
One of my highlights was having to carry the ropes during Covid-19. There were a lot of challenges, with less manpower available and having to make sure I follow my mandate.”
Mofokeng said Nekhumbe was deployed to special duties where he ensured the safety and security of the community. These include the Presidential Inauguration 2009, 2010 FIFA World Cup, African Cup of Nations 2019, Official Funeral for former president Nelson Mandela, Presidential Inauguration 2019 as well as the Presidential Inauguration 2024.
She added in 2023, he was nominated for an Excellence Award within the Tshwane District for Vispol Commander of the Year and won.
“He took up first runner-up for Vispol Commander of Year the same year at the provincial level.”
“He was nominated for this award due to his dedication and hard work to prevent crime and bring the perpetrators of crime to justice.”
Mofokeng said the community gained confidence towards the police and appreciated the good work done by him.
“Complainants and the community have complimented Colonel Nekhumbe in the way he has conducted himself and on how he has assisted them.
“He is an excellent example of what the SAPS is about, to serve and protect. He repeatedly availed himself for operations, events, marches, meetings and the community where there was a need and conducted himself in a professional manner at all times. Junior members look up to [him].”
She said Nekhumbe was a strong, committed individual who believed in participative management and that crime could be defeated.
“He always engaged all role players and defined their roles in fighting crime. He believes that discipline plays an important role for the organisation to survive and prosper.”
Mofokeng said Brigadier Pietersen wished Nekhumbe all the best in his retirement and asked him to go home and be with his family and relax for at least six months before thinking of doing something.
“Brigadier Pietersen further showed her appreciation to Colonel Nekhumbe as an officer who was the pillar of the station.”
She said Nekhumbe took the opportunity to thank the station commander, officers, and members for celebrating his last day in the SAPS and asked members to work together in fighting crime.
“Colonel Nekhumbe was a great addition to the SAPS with a clean disciplinary record and amazing work ethic. His last wish is for the members to stand united and help build each other up,” said Mofokeng.
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