Polokwane – Lieutenant General Petrus Jan Scheepers is the new South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo.
He took over the reins earlier today, Friday, 31 August 2026, at a ceremony held at the Limpopo Provincial Government’s headquarters in Polokwane.
During the ceremony, the new provincial commissioner was conferred with the rank of Lieutenant General.
The Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, and Limpopo Premier Pophie Ramathuba were in attendance.
Lieutenant General Scheepers’ appointment followed the recent retirement in June of Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Before his appointment, Lieutenant General Scheepers served as the deputy provincial commissioner with the rank of major general.
“Speaking for the first time as the commissioner of Limpopo, to my colleagues and every member in this province, I could not have made this achievement without you,” Scheepers said.
“I want to thank you for your hard work and dedication that allowed me to become your provincial commissioner.
“Thank you for your trust in me in this role. I will do it with commitment and without failing you.”
Commenting on the appointment of the new SAPS provincial commissioner, Limpopo Premier Ramathuba said: “Let me indicate that we are delighted to be here to welcome Lieutenant General Scheepers in one of the highest ranks in the SAPS.
“We are gathered here to make a significant milestone not for you as an individual but for the entire Limpopo province.
“The people of Limpopo have been saying to us, please give us our (Lieutenant General) Scheepers who we know.
“So please don’t let us down as we have delivered what our people have been asking for.”
Turning to the new provincial commissioner, the premier said: “Now it is up to you that we don’t come to regret and apologise that we have made a mistake.
“As the government, we will work together with you and make history to restore public confidence in the men and women in blue.”
