The new Police Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Solly Lesia, has been welcomed as a “son of the soil” who was born and raised in the Free State.

Lesia is praised for possessing vast experience in both the Detective Service and Visible Policing, and holds a BTech in Policing. In making the announcement on Monday morning, 30 March, in Bloemfontein, the National Commissioner applauded Lesia for his expertise and urged the “men and women in blue” to keep their heads held high and continue serving their communities with pride and diligence.

In his acceptance speech, Lieutenant General Lesia expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him to lead the Free State SAPS. “I will remain a servant of the people and ensure that our members provide quality service,” said Lieutenant General Lesia. He committed to providing decisive leadership and ensuring strict accountability at all levels.

Lesia emphasised that his primary focus areas will include the eradication of drugs in troubled communities, upholding professional police conduct, prioritising the fight against gender-based violence, and targeting organised crime syndicates.

The appointment follows the tenure of Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, which concluded on 31 January. National Commissioner of Police General Fannie Masemola visited the Free State to announce the appointment of the incoming Provincial Commissioner, accompanied by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC for Community Safety and Transport Jabu Mbalula, and Acting Divisional Head of Crime Detection Major General Rennie Modise Mogale.

Premier calls for visible leadership

The Premier welcomed the appointment, stating that Lieutenant General Lesia’s leadership must translate into increased visible policing. She said the General has first-hand understanding of the unique criminal challenges facing the province.

“The community has been yearning for this moment,” the Premier noted. She emphasised that the people of the Free State must both see and feel safe within their province.

“The incumbent must be a person who understands the challenges experienced by our communities,” the Premier stated, calling upon SAPS management to provide full support to the new Provincial Commissioner.

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Lesia’s appointment follows that of Lieutenant General Brenda Motswenyane. National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola extended his gratitude to Major General Apaphia Modise for “holding the fort” as Acting Commissioner with great distinction during the transition period.

His appointment comes at a critical time for the Free State, where communities have been calling for stronger police leadership to address rising crime levels and restore public confidence in law enforcement. Lieutenant General Lesia’s local knowledge and extensive policing experience are expected to provide the foundation for addressing these challenges.

With his background spanning both detective work and visible policing, Lesia brings comprehensive understanding of both crime prevention and investigation to the role. His commitment to tackling specific issues such as drug-related crime and gender-based violence aligns with provincial priorities and community concerns.

The new Provincial Commissioner’s emphasis on accountability and professional conduct signals a renewed focus on police standards and community relations in the Free State.

Lesia has nearly 40 years of experience in policing. He began his career in 1986 as a student constable and has since held several key roles, including Provincial Commander for Organised Crime and Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Free State.

His appointment is expected to strengthen crime-fighting efforts in the province, particularly in tackling organised crime and improving rural safety