Mbombela – The newly appointed Provincial Commissioner for Mpumalanga in the South African Police Service (SAPS) is Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise.
The announcement of her appointment was made by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane during a ceremony in Mbombela (Nelspruit) on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Lieutenant General Modise officially assumed her role today, Saturday, 1 August 2026, succeeding Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, who was serving in an acting capacity.
Major General Mkhwanazi stepped into this acting role following the suspension of Lieutenant General Semakaleng Mananela in 2024 over allegations of misconduct.
In his comments about the leadership transition, Lieutenant General Dimpane praised Lieutenant General Modise as a “seasoned and specialist police officer” with an impressive 37 years of experience.
“Today, a distinguished female leader, an experienced detective specialist, and a capable operational commander takes charge of policing in the province known as the Rising Sun,” stated Lieutenant General Dimpane.
“She represents the highest levels of professional policing, blending exceptional detective skills with extensive operational command experience gained through many years of dedicated service.”
Prior to her current role as Mpumalanga’s commissioner, Lieutenant General Modise worked as a detective in the family violence, child protection, and sexual offences unit.
She progressed through the ranks and served as station commander at several police stations.
Eventually, this committed officer was appointed deputy commissioner for crime detection.
Now, Lieutenant General Modise is at the helm of the SAPS in Mpumalanga.
During the ceremony on Friday, 31 July 2026, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu remarked that Lieutenant General Modise’s appointment signifies the onset of a new era in the province’s leadership.
Premier Ndlovu underscored that selecting Lieutenant General Modise is part of ongoing initiatives to enhance police leadership, promote accountability, and improve effective policing for safer communities.
