
Major-General Samuel Thine, newly appointed District Commissioner of Tshwane, addressing the media during his first briefing.
(The Post News)- Major-General Samuel Thine, the newly appointed District Commissioner of Tshwane, held his first media briefing on Tuesday, 3 September 2024, sparking questions about whether his leadership will steer the district towards greater safety and security.
The appointment comes as Tshwane, one of South Africa’s major metropolitan areas, grapples with rising crime rates and public concerns over the effectiveness of local law enforcement. With a population of over three million people, Tshwane encompasses both urban and rural areas, making it a complex region to govern, particularly in matters of safety and security.
During the briefing, which took place at the Pretoria-Moot SAPS boardroom, Thine outlined his vision for improving the district, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and community collaboration in combating crime. He highlighted the need for a proactive approach to law enforcement and committed to making significant changes to enhance public safety in Tshwane.
Journalists who attended the briefing had the opportunity to submit topics in advance, leading to a focused discussion on crime prevention, police accountability, and the overall safety of the district. Thine emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, insisting that the success of his tenure would depend on the partnership between law enforcement and the community.
“This cooperative strategy is vital for a district like Tshwane, where the relationship between the police and local communities has been strained in recent years due to concerns over corruption and inefficiency.” he said.
Major-General Thine’s appointment comes at a critical time for Tshwane, with high expectations for his leadership. His focus on community-driven initiatives and effective policing strategies signals a determined effort to improve safety and security across the district.