Former provincial head of TRT to lead Tshilwavhusiku SAPS

Lt-Col Tshililo Mukoma has been appointed as the new station commissioner at the Tshilwavhusiku Police Station to lead the fight against crime in the area. He officially assumed his duties on 1 May, and the welcoming ceremony was held at the station on 2 May.

Mukoma brings with him 33 years of experience in the police service. He has previously served in units such as the Soweto Internal Stability unit, the Public Order Policing (POP), and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Thohoyandou. He also served as the TRT’s Limpopo commander.

Mukoma stated that he would implement an open-door policy at Tshilwavhusiku and invited residents to approach him directly with any complaints. “By cleaning house, we will gain the community’s trust and change the situation,” he said.

While acknowledging that the Tshilwavhusiku police station appeared to be operating effectively, Mukoma highlighted room for improvement. “Lazy or corrupt policemen will be dealt with internally,” he emphasised. He also acknowledged the alarming increase in violent crimes such as rape and robbery in the area and assured that these would be addressed. He pledged to strengthen cooperation between the community and the police in the fight against crime. “We are constantly working on strategies to address crime in the area. Only through collaboration can crime be eradicated,” he said.

Brig Simon Mukwevho, the acting Vhembe SAPS commissioner, wished Mukoma success in his new role and commended him for his readiness to fill gaps without hesitation. He stated that these appointments were expected to bring stability to the communities. “It is up to you to inject fresh energy into the working environment and devise effective strategies to combat gender-based violence and femicide,” he said.

The retired station commissioner, Col Maphefo Matshavha, urged members of the community and stakeholders in the Tshilwavhusiku policing area to continue working closely with the police in the fight against crime. “I will miss this town. I have spent a lot of time here over the past eight years, although I did not live here. What I will miss the most is the diversity of this policing area, my colleagues, and the interaction with different stakeholders who have become such an integral part of my life. The diverse cultural interaction has been great! I encourage continued teamwork and good service delivery from every member who worked under my supervision,” she said.

Date:09 May 2024

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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