By Everson Luhanga
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, after four decades of service in the South African Police Service, has decided to retire.
Mawela joined the Saps as a student Constable in 1984, serving at the Mamelodi policing precinct. He worked his way up through the ranks to become Lieutenant General in 2011.
He has served in several senior roles, including Deputy Area Commissioner of Pretoria, Component Head of border policing, Divisional Commissioner of Operational Response Services (ORS) and Natjoints Chairperson.
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, wished Mawela well.
Masemola said Mawela served as a Provincial Commissioner on a five-year contract and his term of office ends now.
Masemola praised Mawela for being a great operator and leader.
He said Mawela has accomplished a lot during his career by building strong relations with communities in the fight against crime which ultimately resulted in the creation of his brainchild “O Kae Moloa”.
O Kae Moloa saw Gauteng police officers embark on high-density operations to find wanted suspects, confiscate illegal goods and recover illegal and stolen vehicles and firearms.
General Masemola says Mawela has left the organisation a richer place as his legacy will be used by future police generations.
Mawela joined and led several operations, including the fight to root out zama zamas in Krugersdorp after the gang rape of eight women at a disused mine.
He also attended to the call from the community of Alexandra after the senseless killings of seven people in one night including the Alex FM music DJ, Joshua Mbatha. He also attended the anti-crime marches by the Diepsloot Community.
Pictured above: Elias Mawela.
Image source: Supplied
