In a recent announcement, Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola revealed the appointment of Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni as the new Gauteng Police Provincial Commissioner. Mthombeni, who has been acting in the position for the past month, succeeds Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, marking his official appointment at the Gauteng Provincial Headquarters in Parktown, Johannesburg.
With an impressive 37-year tenure in the South African Police Services (SAPS), Mthombeni joined the force in 1986. Holding qualifications such as a National Diploma in Police Administration, a National Higher Diploma in Policing, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration, Masemola expressed confidence in Mthombeni’s capabilities.
Masemola emphasized Mthombeni’s instrumental role in developing and implementing crime-fighting strategies to reduce crime levels in the province. The new appointee is expected to lead efforts to combat serious and violent crimes in Gauteng.
In addition to Mthombeni’s appointment, Masemola named Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamothethi as the new Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations. With 28 years of experience in the SAPS, Mamothethi is tasked with enhancing partnership policing programs and strengthening the response to gender-based violence and femicide.
Masemola highlighted Mamothethi’s achievements, including overseeing the destruction of over 72,000 firearms voluntarily surrendered to the state since April 2022. The appointments aim to address critical vacancies and ensure accountability and stability within the SAPS, contributing to enhanced service delivery to communities. The new Provincial Commissioner faces immediate challenges, including the investigation into the recent Braamfontein shootings, where three people, including a university student, were killed.