In an occupation where evidence, truth, and honesty matter most, Brigadier Kgotloana Sonnyboy Manthata is a force to be counted on as far as evidence-based policing and public safety are concerned. Equipped with an education in statistics and born with leadership qualities, the Provincial Head: Crime Registrar for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo since April 2025, Brigadier Manthata’s new position marks a new chapter in the evolution of crime analysis and strategic policing in the province.

Born in the town of Brits, North West, Brigadier Manthata has spent the past two decades building a distinguished career that bridges government, academia, and now law enforcement – with a singular focus on statistical excellence, data integrity, and evidence-based decision-making.

From Agriculture to Academia to Crime Analysis

Brigadier Manthata’s journey began in 2005 when he joined the North West Department of Agriculture as a Project Management Officer. The following year, he transitioned to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), taking up the role of Assistant Statistical Officer in Agricultural Statistics. His sharp analytical acumen and unwavering commitment to data quality quickly propelled him into more senior roles, including Data Quality Officer and later Quality Specialist.

His rise did not end there as he was appointed Senior Survey Statistician in 2012, where he took charge of the Victims of Crime Survey, which was later renamed the Governance, Public Safety, and Justice Survey (GPSJS). The survey under his direction up to 2019 became a cornerstone of South Africa’s crime statistics environment – allowing policymakers to craft evidence-based interventions on the basis of reliable data.

In 2020, Brigadier Manthata entered the academic community as a Research Assistant at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, where he mentored postgraduates in statistical programming and data analysis. His passion for mentoring did not know lecture rooms – he shaped South Africa’s statistical professionals of the future.

The drive to utilise data for social change brought him back to Stats SA in 2022 as District Survey Coordinator for the Income and Expenditure Survey, and later to the Department of Higher Education and Training in 2023 as a Data Analyst, where he also championed statistical evidence in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

Raising Crime Intelligence in Limpopo

Brigadier Manthata’s new position as Limpopo’s Crime Registrar is a well-established strategic initiative by SAPS. In this position, he heads up crime data standardisation, generates provincial crime reports, and is in charge of trend identification and pattern analysis – essential elements for contemporary, intelligence-driven policing.

His analytical results are not only theoretical. They influence street-level law enforcement practice, inform crime prevention policy, and guide provincial crime policy. He makes statistics not only sit on paper but work in real life.

“Hard work pays off, and you should have passion for what you do,” said Brig. Manthata advising young professionals.

“Regardless of how difficult the task is, remain determined to accomplish it – and you will get far.”

Academic excellence and thought leadership

Brigadier Manthata is an alumnus of University of Pretoria, University of Limpopo, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, and Regenesys School of Public Management. He is a prominent academic with scholarly writing on education and crime contributing to research within the academy as well as public policy conversation.

In addition to technical competence, he is a good leader as well. He now has a team of more than 13 staff members, fostering a work culture based on teamwork, empowerment, and participative decision-making. As a leader, his style is based on mentorship, learning, and inclusiveness.

A mission beyond the badge

Despite his senior rank and the weighty mandate that comes with it, Brigadier Manthata remains committed to developing young professionals, regularly taking time out of himself to counsel emerging statisticians, analysts, and public servants.

“I am ready to face whatever challenge comes my way with a steadfastly concentrated mind for problem-solving,” he assures with serene confidence – sentiments that also define his character and purpose.

A Provincial Asset, a National example

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe captured it best:

“Brigadier Manthata’s career is a strong testimony to the fact that perseverance, commitment and experience can develop a platform towards a financially remunerative career, leaving permanent footprint in society.”

Indeed, in an era of more sophisticated crime and policing needing to remain abreast of information, Brigadier Kgotloana Sonnyboy Manthata embodies the kind of leadership South Africa needs: data-conscious, integrity-driven, and solution-focused.