29 August 2007
After serving in the South African Police Service (SAPS) with diligent
commitment and devotion for a quarter of century (25 years), a well-known
police spokesman is retiring from active service this Friday, 31 August
2007.
Senior Superintendent Mohlabi Lazarus Tlomatsana matriculated in 1971 at
Sefakaola High School in Mokopane, Limpopo Province. In 1974, he graduated from
the University of the North (formerly known as Turfloop) with a Bachelor of
Arts (Social Sciences). He started his working life as a welfare officer at the
South African Iron and Steel Industrial Corporation (Iscor) in Pretoria in
1975.
Superintendent Tlomatsana joined the old South African Police in 1982 and
served as an instructor at the Police College in Hammanskraal, north of
Pretoria. In 1985 he was then transferred to the then Lebowa Police at Magatle
Police Station (then called Slypsteen) as one of the three Warrant Officers at
that time. Superintendent Tlomatsana was then, once more, transferred to Lebowa
Government Service, Head Office, in 1986, and tasked with the establishment of
the first public relations office in the police department.
With the amalgamation of all policing agencies just after the advent of
democracy in South Africa in 1995, Superintendent Tlomatsana was appointed
Senior Superintendent (Deputy Director: Media Relations) at Communication and
Liaison Services, Head Office, Pretoria.
Those who crossed paths with Superintendent Tlomatsana describe him as a
'jolly good fellow'. To us, his fellow colleagues, he has been a father figure,
a mentor, a walking encyclopaedia, a dear friend and confidante. At his best he
would be regarded as a teacher and an educator all rolled into one. As a
communicator, he made sure and did his best in compiling and disseminating
different messages, relating to crime prevention.
Superintendent Tlomatsana surely leaves a legacy behind. The SAPS will
remember him as one who exuded conviviality and sincerity in abundance, a
seasoned communicator indeed.
Enquiries:
Captain Percy Morokane
National Spokesperson
Tel: 012 393 5541
Cell: 082 778 5602
Issued by: South African Police Service
29 August 2007
