Brackendowns’ EMPD officer off to Oz police force in Australia
After putting his life on the line to protect and serve his community, the heroic officer has embarked on a new endeavour in Australia.
The EMPD saluted the outstanding achievement of one of its own as he embarks on new endeavours in Australia as a county officer.
Brackendowns’ EMPD officer, Chief Superintendent Quinten Pretorius, will serve the Australians with pride when he joins the Queensland Police Department in Australia.
He received an emotional send-off at OR Tambo International Airport on June 5, cementing his impact within the force.
Pretorius, trained in 2009 at the EMPD Training Academy, worked his way up the ranks from constable.
Having sworn to uphold justice and integrity based on the Batho Pele principles, he served in the department’s specialised units. These include the Regional Task Team, the Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Equestrian Unit, which saw him promoted to the rank of Inspector and tasked with protecting and conveying the city’s mayor.
His performance operationally set him apart, and he never backed down from a challenge.
Pretorius was awarded a bravery medal for his heroism and for putting his life on the line multiple times.
Exceptional abilities
His academic prowess was phenomenal because he raked in multiple distinctions.
Pretorius said he was excited about joining the Australian national police service.
The officer is also a certified SA rugby referee, something that should serve him well, coming from a Rugby World Cup-winning country.
According to EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, Pretorius’ training in the SAPS competence proved again that it is of a high calibre and acknowledged on a global stage.
“He has a Silver Cross for a bravery medal, a commendation medal, a 10-year service medal and a 2010 support medal. Part of his training was investigating corrupt activities and related offences, detecting and identifying forged documents and demonstrating an understanding of vehicle identification, over and above the basic training done at the academy,” she explained.
EMPD municipal commissioner Isaac Mapiyeye had mixed emotions about what he described as “Another loss, not only to the department but the law enforcement fraternity in the country”.
“As you find a new home in a foreign country, continue to serve the Aussies with pride. We, the custodian of your skill development, equipped you with various skills to execute your functions effectively and efficiently. Remember the African way of doing things. Uphold and impart the Batho Pele principle, which is the cornerstone of our service delivery,” Mapiyeye said.
The EMPD wished him well on this achievement.
