Molefe, the Cluster Commissioner in Sedibeng, had a one-on-one interview session with Ster South where she detailed her journey in the force since its commencement in 1984.

Mzozozo, as many refer to her, said she was fortunate to be among the first generation of black females to be offered the opportunity of being enrolled as officers.

The 60-year-old added that she was honoured to serve her community situated in the Sebokeng policing precinct following her pass-out.

Born and bred in Zone 12, Molefe is the third-born child, out of six siblings, raised by a single mother.

Detailing her life before becoming a prominent police officer, Molefe said she fell in love with the career when she was introduced to it by a child of her mother’s former employer who was also a policewoman.

Molefe said when she was officially the peoples servant, she moved from one police station to the next, climbing ranks until her last rank as a Major General.

“I jumped around different police stations, getting promotions from a Constable until I became a commissioner in my township [Vaal].”

“I was in Hamanskraal as a Constable. I worked in Sebokeng for few years and then moved to Kroonstad after I got married in 1986. Years later, I moved back to Vereeniging where I was promoted to a Warrant Officer,” she said.

“My biggest break happened after the 1994 elections, where I was promoted to a Lieutenant

Colonel.

After my promotion, I worked at Orange Farm under the Crime Prevention Unit,” she said.

Molefe said she worked for different units including the Flying Squad, Visible Policing (Vispol), and Client Service Center among many others.

“I headed as a Station Commander in Sharpeville before.

I was promoted to work in Soweto as the Coordinator for Vispol, which was the toughest post I have ever filled.

I was in charge of all Vispol components including Public Order Policing (Pops), Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, and K-9 for Mzansi’s biggest township,” she said.

The mother of two, also a granny to a five year old granddaughter, said the challenges she faced during her days of heading Vispol, drew her closer to working in the streets, than in the office.

“I came back to Vanderbijlpark as a station commander after being promoted as a Director.

“The good work we did, opened many more doors as I got another position in the mining belt of Carletonville.

Before coming back as a Commissioner in Sedibeng, I was transferred to other precincts like Joburg North. In 2016, I came back as a Major General sitting as the Commissioner where I am now,” she said.

Sharing the knowledge down to others, Molefe said she mentored a number of cops who are doing well in their crime prevention departments.

“I have mentored many individuals and all of them are doing great. If I were to name a few, I mentored two Sergeants who have captured the eyes of the provincial Commissioner.

“One of the duo is stationed in Boipatong and another in my office.

These are hard working women and dedicated to the course.

“I am leaving important knowledge that I have imparted with many officers. These are just young women.

I taught Generals, Station Commanders among many,” she said.

Molefe said she has made an impact as a Commissioner and urged those left behind to continue serving with pride and bringing change in the community.

“Respect goes a long way. As high ranking as I am, I still respected people. Dedication is also one of the characters that will take one far.

I have played my role, now leaving the ropes for others to do the same,” she said.