Captain Mdlalose calls it a day
AFTER 33 years of dedicated service, King Cetshwayo SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose is handing in his badge to enjoy a welldeserved retirement.
The 60-year-old seasoned cop, renowned for his humour and community involvement, began his career in Johannesburg in 1987 when, he said, it was even more dangerous to be a policeman than it is now.
'I still remember that people would be crying and praying that police officers would return from duty,' he recalled.
As a liaison, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with the media and the community
The SAPS captain has done his rounds in nearly all the police departments, even working as a prison warden.
'In the early stages of my career, I worked at a correctional services facility which was tough,' recalled Mdlalose.
'At that time, prisons were more violent, and there would be constant fights between the inmates and the wardens. I learned then that prison is a different world - almost like a movie - with violence, bribery and hierarchy.'
Throughout his career as a police officer, his job presented many challenges - and a few near-death experiences.
'Every time I leave the house, my wife prays that my colleagues and I return unharmed, and I am blessed to have survived many dangerous situations,' he said, adding that there was a time when he didn't think he would make it home.
'When I was working at Umbilo SAPS in Durban, we were called to a robbery at one of the businesses. ‘I was told to drive the police vehicle, which was transporting three other members. I parked and, when my colleagues got out, I suddenly heard shots fired. I immediately ducked, laid on the ground and took out my firearm. ‘While I was on the ground, I could see my friends on the ground; one of them was dead.
'One of the criminals came to check if I had been hit, and started firing at me. I fired back and hit him in the leg.'
Despite the hardships, Mdlalose leaves the force with hope that the community and police can forge a better, stronger relationship in the fight against crime.
'During these 33 years, I have gained a second family in my colleagues,' said the father-of-four.
'As a liaison, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with the media and the community. It was important to me to keep people informed through the newspapers, and to help them understand how hard our members work.'
Captain Mdlalose will officially end his service on 30 June, and embark on a new venture in livestock farming.