Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise has been appointed as the new Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane described Modise as a seasoned detective and operational commander who will strengthen policing in one of South Africa’s key border provinces as SAPS intensifies efforts to combat violent crime, organised criminality, illicit trafficking, illegal immigration and illegal mining.
Dimpane announced Modise’s appointment in Mbombela on Friday alongside Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu and MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie.
Modise officially assumes office on Saturday. She takes over from Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, who has led the province in an acting capacity for the past three years and retires after four decades in the police service.
Announcing the appointment, Dimpane said the selection process had been aimed at identifying a leader with the operational experience and leadership required to implement the SAPS Reset Agenda.
“The process was aimed at appointing a Provincial Commissioner who possesses the operational credibility and leadership maturity to champion the implementation of the SAPS Reset Agenda while driving policing that delivers measurable outcomes for the people of this province,” Dimpane said.
She said the appointment, announced on the eve of Women’s Month, also reflected SAPS’ commitment to advancing women into senior leadership positions.
“This appointment affirms not only the South African Police Service’s unwavering commitment to excellence in leadership, but also our continued contribution to the advancement and emancipation of women in positions of authority and decision-making.”
Dimpane said Mpumalanga’s strategic position as South Africa’s gateway to Mozambique and Eswatini, together with its tourism and economic importance, required intelligent and decisive policing.
He said the province continued to face serious challenges, including violent crime, organised criminality, illicit trafficking, illegal immigration and illegal mining, particularly around Pilgrim’s Rest and Barberton.
Modise will assume command of policing across 90 police stations in the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts.
“She takes the helm at a critical time, with a clear mandate to strengthen operational excellence, enhance detective and intelligence capabilities, reinforce leadership accountability and deepen partnerships with communities through decisive and strategic leadership.”
Dimpane acknowledged Mkhwanazi’s contribution and the stability he provided during his three-year tenure as acting provincial commissioner.
“General Mkhwanazi provided leadership during a period that demanded resilience, stability and operational consistency,” he said.
“On behalf of the leadership of the South African Police Service and the people of South Africa, we thank you for your service par excellence.”
Modise brings 37 years of policing experience to the role after beginning her career in 1989 following her training at Hammanskraal Police Academy.
She started as a constable at Community Service Centres before joining the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, where she developed specialist investigative expertise protecting women, children and other vulnerable victims.
Her career later saw her serve as station commander in Senekal and Odendaalsrus before being promoted to Brigadier as Cluster Commander of the Moqhaka Cluster in 2012.
She became a Major General in 2016, leading both the Thabong and Welkom Clusters, before her appointment as Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection in the Free State in 2020.
Academically, she holds a National Diploma in Policing and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration.
Dimpane said Modise’s background in detective services and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences environment uniquely positioned her to strengthen SAPS’ response to gender-based violence and femicide.
”One of the central priorities of the SAPS Reset Agenda is improving victim-centred policing while restoring public confidence through professionalism, accountability and quality investigations.
”There is no doubt that Lieutenant General Modise’s specialist background will significantly strengthen these priorities,” said Dimpane.
“Her appointment is not simply symbolic; it is strategic and transformational. It signals our commitment to placing competence, operational excellence and ethical leadership at the centre of policing.”
Dimpane urged Modise to lead with courage and integrity.
“Lead courageously, with integrity, humility and decisiveness. Remain close to your members and close to communities and remain uncompromising against corruption and criminality,” he said.
“Protect the economic heartbeat of this province and above all, lead in a manner that restores public confidence in the badge we proudly wear.”
Modise’s appointment concludes SAPS’ announcement of four new provincial commissioners this week as part of its organisational renewal programme.
Earlier this week, SAPS appointed Lieutenant General Sizakhele William Dyantyi as Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams as Provincial Commissioner of North West, and Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers as Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo.
Reflecting on the week’s appointments, Dimpane said they had all formed part of SAPS’ broader effort to strengthen provincial leadership.
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Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za
