Polokwane’s crime scene is about to change yet again with a new police station commissioner having been appointed with effect from Monday. Yet Dir Naledzani Sivhula has not as yet reported for duty and acting police station commissioner, Sr Supt Piet Marx is currently still in the hot-seat.

Sivhula’s appointment has secured her promotion from senior superintendent to director. Up until this new appointment, she was station commissioner in Louis Trichardt.

But not everyone’s future looks so bright. Marx joined Polokwane police station as crime prevention head from Giyani, where he was station commissioner. With former Polokwane police station commissioner, Dir Thomas Shingange, transferred to Tzaneen, Marx was shifted to act as commissioner until a permanent appointment was made. But in January, Dir KM Mathebuka was appointed as crime prevention head.

The question on everyone’s lips is: What will become of Marx? Informant asked this question of provincial spokesperson, Supt Mohale Ramatseba who responded: “I can’t answer that question but I think he will be in Polokwane.” According to a source within the Polokwane police station, Marx also applied for the permanent position of station commissioner.

Two other female police officers have also been promoted and appointed as police station commissioners elsewhere in the province. Addressing the three women, provincial commissioner, Comm Calvin Sengani, said that as they are now joining the upper echelons of the police service, they are expected to make a meaningful contribution in helping the South African Police Service create a safe and secure environment for the communities to live in.

“The appointment of these women should not be viewed as mere window dressing or as addressing Government policy on equity - it was largely supported by their previous performances at their respective stations,” Ramatseba concluded. - Karen Venter