Capt. Kelebogile Masita retired at the age of 60 after 35 years and six months in the police service. Mangaung Metro hosted a farewell gala dinner at the Blue Gem Restaurant in her honour. 

Police management, colleagues, relatives, and friends attended the event to recognise her contribution to policing and celebrate the milestones she achieved during her career.

Capt. Kelebogile Masita retires after 35 years of service. Photo: SAPS

Recently appointed North West police commissioner Lt. Gen. Arthur Adams delivered the keynote address. Adams, who previously served as Masita’s commander, paid tribute to her leadership, dedication and commitment to serving communities throughout her years in uniform.

Masita began her policing career in her hometown of Bethulie on 30 January 1991 before attending the SAPS Training College in Hammanskraal later that year. She recalled being the only recruit weighing less than the required 50kg during training.

The experience strengthened her determination to succeed and marked the beginning of a career in which she repeatedly broke barriers for women in policing, Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane said.

Masita became the first Black woman police officer in Bethulie. She was appointed the first Black station commander in Fauresmith in 2005 and later became the first Black station commander in Edenburg in 2010.

Fauresmith police station was nominated for the best station award in 2009 under her leadership. Her career reflected perseverance, professional growth, and a commitment to improving policing in the communities where she served, Covane said.

Masita thanked her colleagues, friends and relatives for supporting her throughout her career. She expressed gratitude for the relationships built during her service and asked forgiveness from anyone she might have wronged over the years.

Capt. Kelebogile Masita at the event celebrating her retirement. Photo: SAPS

Mangaung Metro police management and personnel thanked Masita for her contribution and wished her a happy retirement. Police described her legacy as one of dedication, resilience and servant leadership that would continue inspiring future generations of officers.

Her retirement follows that of former Free State police head of corporate communication Brig. Motantsi Makhele, who left the service after 36 years. Born in Dewetsdorp, Makhele served under several provincial commissioners and helped shape police communication with communities.

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