A dedicated constable has surprised even her superiors by obtaining the third position in a crime-resolving course last week.

The 31-year-old Lufuno Mutshekwana of Tshakhuma became an instant hero in her unit, after obtaining third position out of 200 students from all over South Africa during their training at Hamanskraal Police Training Institute, beating some of the most experienced detectives during the course.

She had attended a crime-resolving course, which ran from August to December 2009. Mutshekwana, who is attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit at Sibasa, earned herself a trophy and a certificate for being the Best Student Class B6 and obtaining position three overall.

“I am so excited; I never thought that would come so quickly. It was tough, but I did my best amongst seasoned superintendents. I emerged victorious; this is a major break-through in my career and will encourage me to work even harder,” said Mutshekwana

She thanked her unit commander, Supt Mzamani Hobyane, for the guidance and having confidence in her, even though she is a mere constable. “I never thought I would ever be selected to undergo a national course and here I am today, equipped with the skills that will make my job easier,” she said. Mutshekwana has a secret to share with others: Work hard, listen to instructions from your seniors and, with dedication, nothing is impossible.

Her commander said the achievement by the young constable had proved a point. Her marvelous performance goes to show that even constables should be included when it comes to training. He said he had no doubt she deserved the honour.

“It was hardly three weeks after inspecting her investigation duties when I discovered that she had the ability and she proved herself by securing convictions even though she had never been involved in investigations before,” he said. “I am really impressed by her performance. I will not hesitate to recommend to our top management that they transfer constables to this specialized unit, which needs dedicated people like Mutshekwana who are ready to listen and to learn as is expected from them.