POLOKWANE – The days of rude, lazy and corrupt police officers in Limpopo are over.

That is the firm promise made by newly appointed provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, who has vowed to restore public trust in the police service by cracking down on poor service delivery, corruption and indiscipline within the ranks.

Scheepers made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Polokwane Observer on Friday after his official appointment was announced during a media briefing at the Office of the Premier. The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane formally conferred his rank of Lieutenant General and confirmed his appointment.

New commissioner takes over Limpopo SAPS

After serving as acting provincial commissioner, Scheepers officially assumed the position on August 1 on a five-year contract.

A veteran with 40 years of service, he now takes command of 106 police stations across Limpopo.

Scheepers vows to rebuild public trust

In his first public address as provincial commissioner, Scheepers delivered a blunt message to officers who fail the communities they serve.

“People don’t trust the police, and one of the reasons is how we treat them in our police stations. This will change under my leadership,” he said.

Crackdown on poor service and corruption promised

He warned that poor service at police stations would no longer be tolerated.

“Issues of members sitting on their cell phones and not helping communities at police stations stop today. There is no way we can win the trust of our people if we continue with corruption.”

Scheepers said rebuilding confidence in the police starts at the front desk of every police station, where victims often have their first interaction with law enforcement.

SAPS Reset Agenda focuses on accountability

His appointment comes as SAPS rolls out its national SAPS Reset Agenda, a strategy aimed at rebuilding public confidence and strengthening accountability.

Addressing the media briefing, Dimpane said the reset comes after 30 years of democracy and is designed to reposition the police service around professionalism and excellence.

“The agenda is a critical plan to ensure the police service operates purely on excellence. Community members must actively report bad police behaviour so that corrupt elements can be rooted out,” she said.

She said the strategy focuses on combating organised crime, illegal mining, gender-based violence and corruption, while promoting ethical leadership and professional policing.

Ramathuba echoed the call for integrity, reminding police officers that the badge they wear represents honour, responsibility and public trust. She warned officers not to exchange that honour for “a few thousand rand” in bribes.

Community cooperation key to fighting crime

For Scheepers, restoring discipline within the police is central to winning back the confidence of Limpopo residents.

“The police cannot fight crime alone,” he said, calling on communities to work with law enforcement by reporting crime and sharing information.

He believes that when officers treat victims with dignity and respect, residents will once again feel confident enough to assist police in identifying criminals and solving cases.

Scheepers also confirmed that operations targeting illegal immigration will continue to intensify. Having overseen several recent enforcement operations while serving in an acting capacity, he said the issue remains a priority and credited the premier for her support in addressing citizens’ concerns.

His message was unequivocal: under his leadership, accountability will start inside the police service before it is expected from the public.