Johannesburg - On Sunday evening, South African Police Service (SAPS) Warrant Officer Thapelo Molomo was crowned as the Idols SA season 18 winner.
Following Molomo’s spectacular win, the management of the SAPS congratulated him on his victory.
“The organisation is immensely proud of the 29-year-old member who is stationed at the Brits Police Station in North West for hoisting the SAPS flag higher,” the police said.
Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, who attended the finale on behalf of the SAPS, congratulated the newly crowned winner in person.
“The member serves as a beacon of hope for many police officers who are on a daily basis faced with psychosocial challenges. He has illustrated to thousands of officers that hard work, determination and perseverance is the foundation of any successful human being. We are proud of him and wish him all the best. We cannot wait to have him back in office to continue serving our men and women in blue,” said Cele.
Speaking to Cele after his win, Molomo said he went for the Idols SA winner title because he knew he had a gift and he didn’t want to die until fulfilling his dream.
He added that he would be returning to serve in the SAPS as an officer responsible for the mental wellbeing of members of the police force.
[NOW] #IdolsSA winner @Thapelo_molom Minister Cele following his win tonight at the #IdolsSA competition. He says the win has been a long time coming and despite the price money, he will be returning to serve in the @SAPoliceService responsible for mental wellness of officers. pic.twitter.com/YFxKQSfWbM
“The party is over,” Molomo joked with the minister.
Born and bred in Mokopane in Limpopo, the member began his career in the SAPS as an intern within the Psychological Services Section, and was later employed to serve as a trauma counsellor in the same environment.
The SAPS said that as a registered counsellor attached to the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) component, the member holds a B.A (Hons) Psychology degree and is responsible for providing counselling and proactive psychological interventions to alleviate mental health ills for police members and their families.
The Star