Nostalgia and jubilation filled the atmosphere at Sandringham Police Station for the final salute of retiring station commander Nkosana Mbhele on April 22.

Mbhele, who began his career in 1991, has 32 years in service, from crime prevention, to visible policing (VISPOL) and exhibit management and enquiries across various stations in Gauteng.

The final salute ceremony saw SAPS members from different districts, JMPD band members, and Community Policing Forum (CPF) members in attendance.

The morning commenced with an opening prayer and the national anthem, followed by speeches from various speakers.

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Sandringham CPF deputy chairperson Alberto Pontiggia reflected on his relationship with the station commander.

“On behalf of the CPF, we’d like to thank Colonel Mbhele for the many years of service at the station, both prior to his promotion and post.

As the CPF, we have always worked well with Mbhele and his management team. Him and his team have always been collaborative and sensitive to the community policing needs.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth JMPD band members and SAPS members celebrate Colonel Nkosana Mbhele’s 35 years of service. Video: Asanda Matlhare #caxtonlocalmedia #newsupdate #Localnews #johannesburg #2026 #Rosebank #Communitynews #SAPS ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

Mbhele reflected on his policing career, saying that he began working in Gqeberha as an inquisitive officer. “My goal was to grow in the ranks, while setting targets for myself. Some I attained, some I didn’t.

A lesson that I have took is respect and co-operation, which have brought me this far in my career.”

The ceremony ended with the colonel being handed his service certificate and the hanging of his boots as a sign of his retirement.

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