Col Bez Bezuidenhout has been appointed as the new station commissioner for the Makhado SAPS. He replaces Brig Nyelisani Mabatha, who was transferred to Kagiso Police Station in Krugersdorp in July of this year.
Although the name might not be familiar to many, Bezuidenhout is a highly respected and experienced officer of the law. For Bezuidenhout to reach his current position has been a long and winding road. He first joined the police service in 1986. During his 37 years of unbroken service with the SAPS, Bezuidenhout has equipped himself with work-related knowledge and skills, which he believes have helped him perform well in often-difficult situations.
He was previously stationed in various parts of the country. From 1986 to 1990, he was stationed at Bela-Bela, after which he worked at the national headquarters in Pretoria for seven months. From 1991 to 2000, he was stationed in Mozambique, followed by a year in Mpumalanga (2001). After that, he was transferred to Thohoyandou, where he worked until 2010. He has been at Makhado SAPS since then, working in the firearms department until his appointment as station commissioner.
Bezuidenhout, who assumed his role as station commissioner a week ago on 11 September, has already begun strategising. He says that, although the Makhado police work diligently, room for improvement still exists. He maintains an open-door policy regarding complaints and aims to establish and maintain a lasting relationship with the community he serves. "I encourage teamwork among all members under my supervision, and in that way, service delivery must be upheld," he said.
He commended the communities within the Makhado policing area, stating that they consistently collaborate with the police in the fight against crime. "The police cannot be everywhere, and we don't expect members of the public to do our job for us, but the public needs to be involved. If we can get the community to be committed and involved, we will see a difference. Members of the public are the eyes and ears of the police. I can do my best, but not without the community's cooperation," he emphasised.