New hope for Vhembe’s former police

Retired police officials in the Vhembe area stand to benefit immensely, following the launch of the SAPS Vhembe United Pensioners Club.

The launch, which took place at the Sibasa Mess Hall a fortnight ago, drew long-retired officials, among them former high-ranking officials and many serving police officials who are approaching their pension days.

The club was officially launched by a retired police commissioner, Commissioner “MW” Ngobeni, who also to great lengths to explain how the club works. In launching the club, Ngobeni said many pensioners wished they would die quickly, "because their pension days are like hell. Many pensioners are lonely with no one visiting them. They feel isolated after being promised visits by their employer, which never happens."

He added that several former policemen did not plan their finances well and are now penniless and stressed because they were not guided on how to invest their monies. "This is becoming a major contributory factor to pensioners' not living longer lives after retiring,” said Ngobeni.

He further indicated that the club was of utmost importance and it would bring them together and they would have a platform to share their experiences and challenges. He said that the club would also prepare those approaching pensionable age on how to complete the required documentation to speed up their pension payments.

Retired W/O Kanakana Sumbana, who is a former 10111 head in Limpopo, said the club was long overdue, adding that they appreciated the efforts of the founders of the club.

Thohoyandou police spokesperson Lt Col Mashudu Malelo said the club would be of great help to the police. “Some of the retired officials have the scarce skills that are still wanted in the police service. The old officers would serve as advisors and together we would be able to fight crime,” he said.

News - Date: 21 April 2016

Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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