SHE posted her qualifications on social media to motivate her cop friends and youth.
But she never thought her post would go viral. And this left Mbali Ngaleka feeling overwhelmed by the love she received from South Africans.
The 26-year-old from Sophiatowm, Joburg has obtained a BA in police science from Unisa and a National Diploma in criminal justice and forensic investigation from the University of Joburg. She has now accepted her ancestral calling.
Mbali told Daily Sun getting her qualifications was difficult, but she prioritised by putting her social life on hold to study. “I failed a couple of modules, but I’ve dreamt of being a cop since I was young, so I had to push,” she said.
But she doesn’t just want to be a police officer. She wants to move up the ranks because of her knowledge of the justice system.
“The more you know about the
justice system as a police officer, the better. This is how you can add knowledge when helping communities.”
ALSO READ: MAN SURRENDERS 30 YEARS AFTER ESCAPING FROM JAIL!
Mbali said the police service was not for you if you wanted to join just for the money.
“That’s why some police end up being involved in corruption. They want more money, which they end up getting in unholy ways. You won’t go anywhere without passion.”
Mbali said she was grateful to have supportive parents, as she wouldn’t be where she was if it weren’t for them. “My mum was sceptical about me becoming a police officer at first, but she was fully supportive when I told her I would also study.”
She said her mum was a domestic worker, but she helped her with her finances.
Mbali is now a detective at the Sophiatown Police Station and believes she will serve her community better with the knowledge she’s obtained.
“I won’t stop adding these belts until I’m addressed as Dr Ngaleka. I’ll continue to do whatever it takes to get there,” she said.
Her inbox was filled with men asking her out.
“I’m single and don’t have a baby. I’d love to have a family of my own one day, but whoever wants to be part of that needs to understand that I’m very dedicated to my work and amadlozi,” said Mbali.
