New commissioner at Makhado SAPS committed to fighting crime

Colonel Tshivhidzo Nemaitoni has been appointed as Makhado police’s new station commissioner. He officially took over on 2 January, replacing Colonel Bez Bezuidenhout, who retired at the end of last year.

Nemaitoni has 27 years’ experience in the police service. He previously served as unit commander of Social Crime Prevention in Burgersfort, and as station commissioner of Driekop and Botlokwa police stations between 2016 and 2025.

During an interview this week, Nemaitoni said the team at Makhado police station seems to be working hard, but there is room for improvement. He expressed concern over the high incidence of housebreaking and common robbery cases.

Nemaitoni said he follows an open-door policy regarding complaints, and through this, he wants to establish and maintain a lasting relationship with the community. He acknowledged the alarming increase in violent crimes such as rape and robbery in the area and assured that these would be addressed.

“We are constantly working on strategies to address the crime in the area. It is only [by working] together that crime will be rooted out,” Nemaitoni said. He promised to collaborate with different stakeholders, including the town watch, the CPF, private security companies, and other community structures, including traditional leaders.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe wished Nemaitoni well in his new role and praised him for always having the mindset of a senior officer ready to fill any gap without questioning who had opened it or why. She said his appointment was expected to bring stability to the communities. “It is up to you to inject fresh energy into the working environment and devise effective strategies to combat gender-based violence and femicide,” she said.

Date:23 January 2026

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Read: 1156