Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has ascended to the role of Gauteng Police Provincial Commissioner, a decision disclosed by Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola on Friday. Mthombeni, who has served with the South African Police Services (SAPS) for 37 years, stepped into the acting provincial commissioner position following the retirement of Lieutenant General Elias Mawela after 39 years of service. Masemola revealed the appointment at the Gauteng Provincial Headquarters in Parktown, Johannesburg.
Mthombeni boasts an impressive academic background, having earned 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, citing his instrumental role in crafting and implementing crime-combating strategies aimed at reducing crime levels within the province.
In addition to Mthombeni’s appointment, Masemola introduced Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamothethi as the new Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations. With 28 years of service with SAPS, Mamothethi brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She holds a Diploma in Policing, a BTech degree in Policing, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management. Masemola emphasized Mamothethi’s responsibility for enhancing partnership policing programs and bolstering officers’ response to gender-based violence and femicide.
Highlighting Mamothethi’s accomplishments, Masemola noted her oversight of the destruction of over 72,000 firearms voluntarily surrendered to the state and confiscated during crime combating operations since April 2022.
MEC of Community Safety and Liaison, Faith Mazibuko, lauded the significance of these appointments in strengthening the fight against crime and enhancing service delivery. Stressing the importance of filling critical vacancies within SAPS, she underscored the organization’s commitment to ensuring accountability, stability, and effective resource deployment to serve communities.
As Mthombeni assumes his new role, the community eagerly anticipates progress on ongoing investigations, notably concerning the recent tragic Braamfontein shootings, where three individuals, including a second-year university student, lost their lives.