ROSHAN ABRAHAMS
Wynberg police praised their colleagues on Friday January 22 during a medal parade where officers were given long-service awards.
Fifteen police officers were present to receive medals for their 10 to 20 years of service in the police force. In total, 26 officers were honoured.
Brigadier Riaan Booysen, the Wynberg SAPS station commander, spoke about the code of conduct and said police officers are “en-trusted by God”.
He said: “We did not join SAPS for financial gain, nor praise and medals. We are here to serve – to make a choice between right and wrong. We chose right.”
The actual medals do not have much financial value, he said, but they were used as a way of honouring the officers for their work.
“Many officers have been killed in the line of duty, but we are fortunate to mention that none of our Wynberg SAPS offices have been killed. We do not know what will happen in future, but one thing is for sure – we will die. Life is short, so always have someting to strive for, because before you know it, 10, 20, 30 years will go by.”
Brian Lang, member of the Wynberg Community Police Forum (CPF), and co-ordinator of the Victim Support Room, in Wynberg, commended the “men and women in blue” .
He said: “I’ve worked with many officers who are good people. And South Africans are looking up to you so they can live in peace. It may be a thankless job but it is also a calling. God is with you.”
He said the officers work with him in their victim empowerment programme. “These men and women do a sterling job.”