AFTER an illustrious 38-year career as a policeman, the head of Richards Bay’s Organised Crime Unit (OCU) bade farewell to colleagues and friends this week.
Plenty of praise was lavished on Lt Col MP Mthembu at his retirement function held at the Enseleni Nature Reserve conference centre.
However, the overwhelming sentiment was one of thankfulness that Mthembu had endured through the extreme dangers of his chosen career and could enter a new phase of his life, with his wife Mavis.
‘This is a time of mixed emotions, and we are pleased not only that he survived dangerous criminals, accidents and injuries, but that he leaves us still healthy and mentally sharp,’ said Provincial Commander, Brigadier DP Mbotho.
These thoughts were echoed by colleague Lt Col DP Mkhize, who has taken over as unit commander of the OCU.
‘Like all serving members, Lt Col Mthembu has enjoyed the support of his wife and family and we are happy that they get him back alive, as many members die in the line of duty.
‘He leaves the force as he entered it, clean, and with no blemishes on his record.
‘His career has been a lesson to young police men and women, exhibiting the two rare qualities essential to success: discipline and loyalty.’
Reminiscing on his career, Lt Col Mthembu said he was ‘leaving my one family for another’, and that ‘God looked after me in difficult times and is the reason for my success and survival’.
‘When I started on 14 November 1975 in Durban North, my monthly pay packet was R75 before deductions.
‘In those days, as a black person job opportunities were limited to the police force, teaching or nursing.
‘I had not planned to be a career cop but I was destined to do so.
‘The early days, during the apartheid era were strange; for example, a black sergeant could not give instructions to a white constable.
‘But they were days of discipline and fitness and we were all hard and tough.’
Mthembu’s career saw him promoted to Sergeant in 1983, Warrant Officer in 1994, acting Branch Commander of Mtuba detectives in 1998, Captain at the OCU in 2001 and Lt Col in 2006.
