POLICE officers hosted a farewell function for former O.R. Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Pumzile Cetyana, and his former Deputy, Brigadier Vukile Ntandane.
The event was held last week at Nkandla Guest House, located outside Mthatha.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, the event was conducted in two phases: the first phase honoured the outgoing managers, while the second phase welcomed the current District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, and his Deputy, Brigadier Vukile Ntuli.
“Modishana could not attend as he had to accompany the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, to Lusikisiki to attend a court case involving suspects arrested in connection with the mass murder at Ngobozana locality.
“Both commissioners were described as managers who were mentors, teachers, disciplinarians, role models, and loyal adherents to the principles of the organisation,” said Matyolo.
He said in his response, Brigadier Ntandane thanked Major General Cetyana for their journey together in SAPS management.
“We leave O.R. Tambo with no scars, as we had a dedicated team of leaders who supported us at all times,” explained Ntandane.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, Major General Cetyana has been transferred to the Western Cape Province.
He began his new role as the Garden Route District Commissioner on November 1, 2024.
Mawisa highlighted that during his tenure as O.R. Tambo District Commissioner, which began on July 1, 2022, Cetyana oversaw 18 police stations and 16 units.
“He made significant and positive contributions to the fight against crime in the O.R. Tambo District, particularly toward fulfilling the province’s five-year vision, Operation Sikhona.
“He is recognised as a hands-on leader who was consistently visible in various rural areas of the district,” said Mawisa.
She further noted Cetyana’s active engagement with communities in areas such as Majola (Port St Johns), Qumbu, Sulenkama, Bityi, Lusikisiki, and others in efforts to reduce crime across the district.
On the other hand, Mawisa confirmed that Major General Modishana, who previously served as the Garden Route District Commissioner, is now stepping into the role of O.R. Tambo District Commissioner.
“He joined the police force in 1987 and has diligently served in various capacities nationwide, including Human Resource Development, the National Intervention Unit, and Operational Response Services,” said Mawisa.
