In the three years since holding the position of Area Manager in the JMPD Security Service, Salthiel Mabeba has already ensured that he prioritises sites that have valuable equipment such as computers, and confidential documents by beefing up resources and increasing patrols.
Salthiel was appointed on 1 July 2018 to his current position. He is responsible for managing the security employees who guard the City’s properties in Region A2. There are 186 security officers and three supervisors under his watch.
“The resources of the City must remain protected and not be exposed to internal and external threats. Critical resources are stored at different locations that are intended for public consumption, such as vaccines, and personal protective equipment,” he says.
The winner of a golden performance award for exceptional execution of his duties, Salthiel is currently working on conducting risk assessments and engaging user departments to assist in repairing their infrastructures like security fences, alarm systems, CCTV cameras and burglar bars.
He has been involved in an investigation of the murder of his fellow colleague, resulting in the swift recovery of two firearms, one of which was positively linked to the cowardly attack as well as the arrest of two suspects.
He joined the Joburg Traffic Department in April 1989 after being trained as a Traffic Warden and obtained a traffic officer’s qualification in 1990. Salthiel completed the Metro Police Diploma in convention in 2001. In 2010, he was promoted to a sergeant’s position and promoted in 2016 to an inspector.
In his 32 years of service to the City, he has worked as an Accident Officer before joining the Radio Room as a Radio Operator. Halfway in his career, Salthiel joined the Freeway unit, specialising in VIP escorts, recording accidents and issuing summons. He also worked as a trainer in the Freeway unit then later worked in the Special Patrol Unit (SPU).
“I once stopped a taxi with eight occupants at N1 north before the Soweto offramp. I realised it was tense inside the taxi, I could see there was something wrong but because I was alone I decided to call back up.
“Before I reached my vehicle, members of the SAPS arrived and told me they were chasing the same taxi. We recovered four firearms and four occupants, all-male, had been kidnapped,” Salthiel recalls.
He also holds a Certificate in Mid-level Management and Domestic Violence from the City and a Certificate in International Criminal Investigation and a Training Certificate from the USA Department of Justice.
The Diepsloot-based married father of three enjoys jogging and participating in a few marathons in Gauteng as well as in Mpumalanga. He also prioritises family time.
“Before I retire, I want to leave my team with a legacy of having promoted teamwork, imparting skills and inspiring others to do more. I want to leave my region crime-free,” Salthiel says.
By Gontse ‘GeE’ Hlophe
29/04/2022