Alberton SAPS officer retires after 37 years of service

Warrant Officer Abraham Puleng Bapela, a long-serving officer at Alberton SAPS, will officially hang up his boots on October 31, closing a dedicated policing career that has spanned nearly four decades.

Born on October 14, 1965, in Sebokeng, Bapela grew up in Limpopo as one of eight siblings, all boys, one of whom has since passed away. He completed his matric in 1987 and wasted no time pursuing his dream of joining the police service.

“I wanted to join the police force when I was in Grade 10, but my mother refused and insisted that I finish matric first. As soon as I passed, I applied and went to college in Sebokeng in 1988,” he recalled.

Service in Heidelberg and Alberton

After completing his training, Bapela began his career in January 1988 as a constable in Heidelberg SAPS, where he later rose to the rank of sergeant. After buying a house in Leondale, he requested a transfer to Alberton SAPS, where he has served since 2000.

In October, he will turn 60, and on October 31, he will retire after 37 years of service, having spent 12 years in Heidelberg and 25 in Alberton.

Close call with death

Reflecting on his career, Bapela recalled a terrifying moment in 1999 when he narrowly escaped death during a robbery at a garage in Alrode.

“I went there to pour petrol and was surprised when no one came to assist me. Only then I realised there was a robbery in progress. While still in my car, the suspects came outside and started shooting at my vehicle. I ducked under the seat to hide. At first, I thought I was fine, but when I got home, the incident caught up with me. I couldn’t go back to that garage for a year,” he said.

Bapela said counselling and his church community helped him recover. “I will never forget that day.”

Lessons from a lifetime in service

Although he once tried working in finance, Bapela realised his true calling was visible policing.
“Through the years, I’ve learnt that teamwork is everything, and there’s no place for negativity in this work,” he said.

Love and family

Bapela has shared a lifelong love story with his high school sweetheart, who later became his wife.

“We met in school. She was always ahead of me academically, but when she went on maternity leave, she came back and we ended up in the same class. The funny thing is she passed and I failed,” he laughed.

The couple married and were blessed with three daughters, although one tragically passed away while studying at the University of Johannesburg. Speaking about the loss still brings emotion to his voice.

Looking ahead to retirement

As he prepares to retire, Bapela looks forward to moving back to Limpopo and spending more time with his family.

“I’ve finished my race. I’m going home to rest now,” he said with a smile.