Behind every crime statistic is a process that demands accuracy, discipline and expertise, writes Sergeant Maphure Manamela.
Ensuring that crime information is correctly captured, classified, audited and analysed has been a defining part of Lieutenant Colonel Freddy Mafogo Mokwena’s 36-year career in the SA Police Services.
Mokwena’s contribution was celebrated during a farewell function held in Polokwane on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, as he prepares to retire from the South African Police Service at the end of this month. Provincial Head of Crime Registrar, Brigadier Sonnyboy Kgotloana Manthata presided over the function.
Born on 8 September 1966 in Mmamere, Ga-Mamabolo village, Capricorn District, Mokwena joined the South African Police Service on 1 July 1989 under the then Lebowa Police. He later obtained a National Diploma in Business Management from Oxbridge Academy.
After completing his training, he started his policing career at Maake SAPS in the Mopani District, where he was placed in the Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre (CIMAC) from the outset.
This early exposure to crime information management laid the foundation for a career closely associated with the accuracy and integrity of police crime information. He progressed through the ranks from Constable to Warrant Officer and later continued his specialised work at Tzaneen CIMAC.
His career then took him to Giyani SAPS, where he served as captain, before progressing to the Provincial Crime Registrar office.
In 2024, he was appointed to Lieutenant Colonel as section commander for Quality Assurance and Compliance at the Provincial Crime Registrar, a specialised position requiring meticulous attention to detail and a firm commitment to the integrity of crime information.
His responsibilities included daily auditing of case dockets, ensuring correct crime classification according to prescribed definitions, monitoring compliance with counting rules to prevent the over-or under-reporting of cases, and ensuring that domestic violence-related cases were correctly registered and flagged.
His work, however, extended beyond checking whether information had been correctly captured.
Mokwena regularly examined crime trends on the system, particularly serious crimes such as domestic violence, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). He analysed trends and provided guidance to assist management and operational members in understanding the crime picture and responding appropriately.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Accurate and reliable crime information assists the SAPS in identifying trends, understanding emerging threats, guiding operational planning, allocating resources and making informed policing decisions.
His contribution was recognised during the 2023/2024 financial year, when his team was named the Vispol and Operations Team of the Year for Mopani District.
During the 2025/2026 financial year, he was also named second runner-up for the Provincial Crime Registrar Award, a category introduced to formally recognise the contribution of Crime Registrar and CIMAC personnel.
Mokwena’s motivation throughout his career was rooted in his love for the organisation, achieving results and solving challenging tasks.
“What kept me motivated was my love for the organisation, achieving results and being able to solve challenging tasks. I also enjoyed checking crime trends on the system, analysing the information and providing proper guidance where necessary.”
He identifies punctuality, integrity, accountability and discipline as some of the qualities that guided him throughout his career.
He also credits reliable colleagues for helping him balance his professional responsibilities with his personal life, emphasising the importance of shared responsibility and teamwork.
“Having reliable colleagues made it easier to balance work and personal life because we shared responsibilities and tasks. Unity in the team brings better results.”
“I need to be remembered as a leader who led with integrity, being open and transparent, facing any challenge head-on, and telling members the truth even when it is difficult to say,” said Mokwena, reflecting on his legacy.
Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, expressed appreciation for Mokwena’s contribution.
“His work demonstrates that policing is not only about what happens on the streets. It is also about ensuring that the information behind our policing decisions is accurate, credible and properly analysed,” Scheepers said.
“The expertise required within the Crime Registrar and quality assurance environment is immense. These members work with information that can influence operational planning, resource allocation and our understanding of crime trends. Lieutenant Colonel Mokwena has approached this responsibility with integrity, accountability and discipline. As he prepares to retire at the end of September, we thank him for the expertise and commitment he has invested in the organisation,” said Scheepers. – This article was produced by the Limpopo SAPS
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