Aphaphia Modise begins new role as Mpumalanga’s Police Commissioner
Lieutenant General Aphaphia Modise has been appointed as the new Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, officially taking up the position on 1 August.
Acting National Police Commissioner General Puleng Dimpane announced the appointment on Friday, praising Modise’s extensive experience within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Her previous roles include serving as Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Acting Provincial Commissioner in the Free State, and Welkom Cluster Commander.
Modise takes over from Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, who is retiring after four decades of service in the police.
Dimpane praised Mkhwanazi for his outstanding leadership during his tenure as Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner for the past three years.
The acting National Police Commissioner said that, in this period, Mkhwanazi provided stability, discipline and consistent leadership during a challenging period for the province’s police service.
His departure marks the end of a 40-year policing career dedicated to serving the people of South Africa.
"Your footprint of operational excellence is very much visible, and your contribution to leadership stability is highly recognised.
You literally kept your boots on until your last day in uniform. On behalf of the leadership of the South African police service and the people of South Africa, we thank you for your service and excellence," said Dimpane.
Speaking at the announcement event, Modise pledged to dedicate herself fully to serving the people of Mpumalanga, assuring provincial leadership that she would relocate and commit the remainder of her policing career to the province.
“Premier, I want to assure you that I am going to relocate and position myself to come and stay in Mpumalanga until I retire,” Modise said.
The new provincial commissioner said her appointment was not only a personal milestone but a responsibility to uphold professionalism, accountability and integrity within the police service.
She said her policing approach will focus on strengthening community partnerships, improving intelligence-led policing and tackling serious crimes affecting the province.
Modise highlighted the importance of working with community policing forums, municipalities, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, businesses and civil society to create safer communities.
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