Cluster commander calls for community involvement

SECUNDA – Brig Tinswalo Sarah Mthombeni brings nearly 30 years of experience to the table and is well suited to her position as cluster commander.

Her career in the police force began in Johannesburg in 1987.

She was soon promoted and for the next couple of year worked at various police stations, including Germiston and Bedfordview.

“I was a sergeant in 1992, then a warrant officer in 1994.

“I was promoted to captain in 1997, to lieutenant colonel in 2000 and to full colonel in 2004.”

As a colonel, she also worked at the Crime Prevention Unit in Witbank.

Brig Mthombeni’s first opportunity to work as station commander came in 2004 at the Dawn Park Police Station near Vosloorus, and in Oogies in 2007 and at Delmas from 2010.

“I was promoted to brigadier and came to Secunda this year, where I am now working as cluster commander for 13 local police stations.

“My experience in the police service ensures that I understand the responsibilities that come with this position.”

Brig Mthombeni began in the charge office, what we now call the community service centre.

“I also worked in crime prevention and at Vispol as a coordinator and later as head of Vispol in Middelburg, and as part of the provincial inspectorate.”

Her career as police officer shaped her in many different ways.

“It was a calling to become a police officer.

“I began when I was very young and being a police officer has now become a part of me, it is my identity.

“I grew into the person I am today and I am sure that my grass roots experience in this province, as well as in Gauteng has equipped me for this role.”

Her job involves coordinating crime prevention and other joint operations between police stations by working with the station commander of each station.

Brig Mthombeni’s experience in the province also means that she has a well defined understanding of the various local challenges that each station faces.

“If there is a specific situation at one of the stations that I am responsible for, I can work with the station commander and find a solution that works for the local community.”

At present one of her biggest concerns is the high murder rate in eMbalenhle.

“We see murders taking place involving family members which means this is a moral and domestic problem.

“If someone cannot contain his anger and control his emotions and suddenly lashes out one day, it is more difficult to police as there are usually no record of previous offences.

“The community must work with the police to ensure these violent or suspicious individuals are dealt with before it is too late.

“This goes hand in hand with rape and domestic violence which are intimate crimes and where we need the community to work with us.”

A further matter of concern is the increase in housebreakings.

Brig Mthombeni said the reason for this is usually drug abuse.

“Drug and substance abusers will do anything to get their hands on money and this usually leads to an increase in housebreakings.

“They steal what they can from their own homes, but soon move on to other houses.

“Neighbours must get to know one another and residents must join their Community Policing Forums.

“By being involved in your community, you will quickly pick up when someone is acting suspiciously and you will be prepared to deal with any scenario.

“The community are our eyes and ears.”