New city police chief steps in
The Richards Bay police station has welcomed new station commander, Brigadier Bhekisisa Hlongwane.
The seasoned police officer who is in his fifties, took up his position on 9 March and committed himself to working alongside his colleagues to serve and protect the community. He started off his career at a small rural police station at Impendle in 1985.
Brigadier Hlongwane worked in various units and environments over the years and in 2017 reached the rank of Brigadier when he was appointed provincial head of the Operational Response Services (ORS) in the Western Cape.
Returning to KZN, he is happy to be back in his home province and nearer to his wife, children and broader family based in Pietermaritzburg.
He brings a wealth of experience, expertise and knowledge on crime combatting strategies, having had multiples units under his command.
He is excited about implementing the SAPS turnaround strategies, thereby ensuring compliance with the organisational prescripts.
Basic service delivery is high on his list of priorities for Richards Bay.
‘We must continue with our commitment to act professionally and give our best to the citizens.
‘Teamwork is the key. Everyone has a part to play and we have to go back to the basics in serving the community and creating a culture of quality service delivery.
‘We will work more effectively towards a common vision,’ said Brigadier Hlongwane .
He urged the community to support the police in the fight to combat crime
Brigadier Hlongwane strongly discouraged the purchase of stolen goods and called on citizens to break the cycle of criminality by reporting crime to the police.