Limpopo Police Commissioner Jan Scheepers Joins Foot Chase to Arrest Undocumented Foreign National
Just days after taking charge of policing in Limpopo, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers has placed himself directly on the frontline, joining officers in a foot chase that ended with the arrest of an undocumented foreign national in Modimolle.
The unexpected intervention happened while Scheepers was travelling through the town with members of his management team during unannounced visits to police stations. During the visit, he noticed an officer pursuing a suspect on foot and immediately stopped his vehicle to assist.
Rather than observing from a distance, the newly appointed commissioner stepped out and joined the chase, working alongside officers on the ground until the suspect was successfully apprehended.
The arrested individual was later identified as an undocumented foreign national.
The South African Police Service said the incident highlighted Scheepers’ commitment to operational policing and his willingness to support officers in the field. The commissioner’s actions, according to SAPS, reflected a leadership approach focused on being present where policing takes place.
Scheepers officially assumed the role of Limpopo Provincial Commissioner on 1 August 2026, bringing almost 40 years of policing experience to the position. He takes over from retired Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, who previously led the province’s police force.
The arrest comes as law enforcement agencies across Limpopo continue conducting targeted operations aimed at addressing crime, illegal immigration and other offences. Recent multi-disciplinary operations in the province have resulted in the arrest of numerous undocumented foreign nationals as authorities intensify efforts to enforce immigration regulations.
For many police officers, the image of a provincial commissioner joining a pursuit rather than simply directing operations from behind a desk sends a strong message about leadership and accountability.
Scheepers’ early days in office have already placed him in the spotlight, with his hands on approach likely to shape expectations around visible policing and direct engagement with communities and officers across Limpopo.
