Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, supported by deputy provincial commissioners and district commissioners, has conferred ranks to 164 newly promoted police officials.
The glamorous event happened at the Jack Botes Chamber in Polokwane.
The breakdown of the promoted police officers comprises of 17 colonels, 37 lieutenant colonels, 71 captains and 39 warrant officers.
The police officers are attached to various components within different police stations, districts, and the provincial office of the SA Police Service.
SAPS spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the promotion of the police officers is aimed at elevating the effectiveness of the police in rendering service delivery to the communities across.
The move is also aimed at accelerating the fight against crime.
Meanwhile, in congratulating the promoted police officers, the provincial police commissioner, Hadebe challenged each individual to use their new ranks to intensify the fight against crime.
“This ceremony marks not only personal achievement for each of you but also a significant step forward in collective mission to serve and protect our communities,” said Hadebe.
“You have been chosen for these critical roles because we believe in your potential to lead, inspire and improve the functions of our organisation at station, district and provincial level.”
She also urged the newly-promoted police officers to embrace their new leadership roles and the responsibilities.
“Leadership is not just a title, it is a responsibility that motivates and inspires those under your supervision. Be accessible, make sure your doors are always open. Embrace challenges, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and foster collaboration. Encourage teamwork and collaboration within your ranks,” said Hadebe.
The newly promoted police officials are expected to hit the ground running, to ensure that the residents, business community and visitors are in Limpopo during the heightened festive season period and beyond.
In August, as South Africa commemorates Women's Month, IOL profiled provincial police commissioner Hadebe as one of the SAPS trailblazers and leading women.
“Lieutenant General Hadebe has broken barriers throughout her illustrious career, rising through the ranks to become one of the highest-ranking female officers and a shining example of sheer brilliance within the SAPS.
“Lieutenant General Hadebe started her police career in 1986 when she joined the ranks at the then KaNgwane police at Kanyamazane police station in Mpumalanga. She worked her way up through the ranks until her appointment as deputy provincial commissioner for support services and now head of the province,” Brigadier Mashaba said at the time.
In 1995, Hadebe obtained a Diploma in Police Administration. Her determination saw her acquiring a B-Tech Degree in Policing in 2001, then a certificate in project management.
Hadebe has successfully managed a number of projects and major events in the policing sector. She obtained an LLB degree from Unisa in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree.
The SAPS said Hadebe “has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and expertise” in managing 105 police stations, five districts and 18 provincial components, with a total of 8,345 Police Act members and 2,014 Public Service personnel,.
IOL