VHEMBE, LIMPOPO — Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has announced she will retire from the South African Police Service at the end of June 2026 after her contract was not renewed on 1 May 2026.
Hadebe made the announcement on Thursday, 21 May 2026, during engagement sessions with SAPS members and stakeholders in the Vhembe District at Higher Grace Church in Nzhelele under the Mphephu policing area. The sessions will continue across all districts in the province.
Hadebe, the first female provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, took office on 1 May 2021, succeeding Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba. She joined the service in 1986 and has served for 40 years in various command roles. She holds a diploma in Police Administration, a B Tech in Policing, and an LLB from Unisa.
The engagements aim to strengthen relations with stakeholders, address district challenges, develop crime-combating strategies, and acknowledge the support of SAPS members during her tenure. Attendees included Deputy Provincial Commissioners Maj Gen FM Sebola and Maj Gen VS Masingi, Vhembe District Commissioner Maj Gen Eddie Van Der Walt, retired generals, provincial heads, station commanders, SANDF members, traditional leaders, municipal representatives, government departments, NGOs, and community structures.
Hadebe commended stakeholders for their partnership in fighting crime and promoting safer communities. She highlighted progress in combating organised crime, drug trafficking, illegal mining, and gender-based violence and femicide, attributing it to collective efforts between police and communities.
“Community safety can only be achieved through strong partnerships between the police and communities,” she said. She urged continued support for the incoming SAPS leadership, reporting of crime, mentorship of youth, and collaboration on social challenges driving criminal activity.
During a session with members, Hadebe thanked them for their dedication and noted improvements in crime patterns in the district. “It is now time for me to leave the stage, and I commend everyone for the efforts made in achieving these successes. Thank you very much,” she said.
SAPS members thanked her for supporting career growth and stabilising crime in the province. Provincial Head of Crime Registry Brig Manthata presented a crime review, and stakeholders raised concerns including resource shortages at police stations. Traditional leader Vho-Thovhele Mphephu reaffirmed traditional leadership’s commitment to working with police.
Hadebe also addressed members during an Operation Shanela II parade, encouraging continued dedication in the fight against crime. She expressed confidence that partnerships built in Limpopo, particularly in Vhembe, would sustain efforts to create safer communities.
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