| From gate guard to national hero: Meet SAPS Limpopo POP Unit Commander, Colonel Freddy Modungwana | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/07/28 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE - Sometimes extraordinary achievements come from the most ordinary beginnings. Colonel Sekitikele Freddy Modungwana's story proves this beyond doubt - a young man who started working as security guard at the gates in 1991 at just 22 years and went on to revolutionize tactical policing across South Africa. In 1991, a young Reserve Constable began his shift at the gates of Apel Police Station. Today, that same man commands Polokwane's elite Public Order Police and serve as Provincial Commander of the Tactical Response Team. This is not just career progression – this is transformation at its best. While most South Africans watched the country's democratic transition on television, Colonel Modungwana lived it on the front lines. Deployed to KwaZulu-Natal's most violent flashpoints – Umlazi, Ndwendwe, Port Shepstone, Richmond – he stood between warring factions when bullets were flying and democracy hung in the balance. "These experiences tested my skills and my strength as a police officer, and I'm proud to have played a role in maintaining law and order during a critical period in South Africa's history," he recalls. In 1999, Colonel Modungwana was amongst the first group of members that formed the elite Tactical Intervention Group (TIG),( The Unit was formed by the Limpopo POP members and the North West Potchefstroom POP Members). TIG's mission; To respond to medium to high risk duties in their provinces. The team was later deployed to Stop PAGAD's reign of terror in the Western Cape. The mission was accomplished in just three months, with the Hard Livings gang leader Rasshid Staggi put behind bars, the dismantling of the Americans gangs at Mitchelsplain, Bishop Lavis, Mannenburg and Athlone( Cape Flats)and the arrest of the notorious PAGAD members who terrorised the Western Cape communities with pipe bombs. The success was so spectacular that it triggered a national revolution in tactical policing. The National Intervention Unit was born, spreading to major cities across South Africa. But when Limpopo was left out, Colonel Modungwana didn't complain – he innovated. In 2004, he spearheaded the creation of the Air Supported Tactical Team (ASTT) in Limpopo. This wasn't just filling a gap – this was setting a new standard. By 2009, ASTT's operations in Polokwane and Elim had prevented criminals from escaping with millions. The impact was so profound that SAPS National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele ordered every province to establish similar teams. Today, Tactical Response Teams operate nationwide. "The then General, Bheki Cele also directed the establishment of similar teams in all SAPS clusters, expanding the scope of tactical operations across the country," explains Colonel Modungwana. Colonel Modungwana didn't just excel operationally – he became a master trainer. Working with the French Gendarmerie to prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he helped redevelop Public Order Police training. His work was so exceptional that during the World Cup, Coca-Cola invited him as their guest to observe elimination matches in Port Elizabeth. From training basic students to collaborating with international experts, he proved that excellence knows no boundaries. He attained qualifications in the following: 1. Tactical Policing Level 1&2 2. Range Officer's Course 3. Platoon Member Training(PMT) & Train the Trainer 4. Platoon Commander Training(PCT) and Train the Trainer 5. Operational Commander Training(OCT) and Train the Trainer. The promotions also tell the story: - 2009 : Captain and Provincial ORS Training Co-ordinator. - 2019: Lieutenant Colonel and TRT Provincial Co-ordinator. - 2024: Colonel and Unit Commander of Polokwane Public Order Police Each promotion represented not just personal achievement, but growing responsibility for keeping South Africans safe. Colonel Modungwana's journey resonates because it's fundamentally South African. It is about someone who started with nothing but through determination, he is a well respected officer within the ranks of law enforcement. He refused to accept limitations and always found ways to excel despite constraints. From Lebowakgomo Showground to commanding elite tactical units. From working gates to protecting World Cup matches. From local operations to national influence. This is what extraordinary looks like when it wears a uniform. Today, as Unit Commander of Polokwane Public Order Police and Provincial Commander of TRT, Colonel Modungwana continues setting the standard. Every successful tactical operation, every criminal brought to justice, every officer he has trained carries forward the excellence he has demonstrated for over three decades. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauds the exceptional tactical approach demonstrated by specialized units under leaders like Colonel Modungwana – officers who represent the very best of the South African Police Service. Colonel Modungwana's expertise continues to be recognized at the highest levels. During October 2023 he was appointed as an Authorised Member in terms of Section 15 of Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2010 (Act 2/2010) and let the Events Safety and Security Planning Committee in planning and execution of the 13th BRICS build events at Mookgopong. In May 2025 he spearheaded the G20 build up Events hosted by the following Departments: Department of Education, Department of Agriculture as well as the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, representing South Africa's events policing capabilities on the global stage. Ends
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