Mbombela – Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise is the new South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner for Mpumalanga.
Her appointment was announced at a ceremony in Mbombela (Nelspruit) by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Lieutenant General Modise took over the reins today, Saturday, 1 August 2026, from Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, who has been holding the fort in an acting capacity.
Major General Mkhwanazi was appointed in an acting capacity after the suspension, for alleged wrongdoing, of Lieutenant General Semakaleng Mananela in 2024.
Commenting on the changing of the guards, Lieutenant General Dimpane stated that Lieutenant General Modise was a “seasoned and specialist police officer” with 37 years of service.
“Today, the baton of policing in the province of the Rising Sun passes into the capable hands of a distinguished female commander, veteran detective specialist and seasoned operational leader,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.
“She represents the finest tradition of professional policing and combines extensive high-end detective expertise with sound operational command experience developed over decades of dedicated service.”
Long before she was appointed Mpumalanga provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Modise was a detective within the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit.
She rose through the ranks and became station commander of various police stations.
The diligent officer was later appointed deputy commissioner for crime detection.
Today, Lieutenant General Modise is in charge of the SAPS in Mpumalanga.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, 31 July 2026, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu said Lieutenant General Modise’s appointment was ushering in a new chapter of leadership in the province.
Premier Ndlovu said the appointment of Lieutenant General Modise was part of efforts to strengthen police leadership, promote accountability and enhance effective policing for safer communities.
