Alberton SAPS held a guard of honour on October 29 at 11:00 to celebrate the retirement of three long-serving officers.

The ceremony was attended by CPS Security, community members, and the CPF, reflecting the strong bond between the station and the public it serves.

GAC Motor Alberton sponsors transport

Adding a special touch to the day, GAC Motor Alberton sponsored vehicles to transport the retiring officers to and from the station.

Brand ambassador Otis Blume said, “These people serve our communities, and we saw it best to do this for them.”

Warrant Officer Dennis Bruiners: Guided by faith and integrity

Bruiners began his policing career in 1986, briefly leaving in 1994 due to financial challenges before returning in 2010.

Rising from Sergeant to Warrant Officer by 2014, he credited his faith for sustaining him through difficult times.

“Thanks to God and the love of Jesus. If you keep your eyes on Christ, His love carries you through all thickness and thinness,” he said.

Looking ahead, Bruiners plans to recover from an illness and decide on his next chapter.

“You can see members of the public appreciate us when we treat everyone with respect and dignity. That’s how we fight crime,” he added.

@albertonrecordAlberton SAPS held a guard of honour on October 29 at 11:00 to celebrate the retirement of three long-serving officers. The ceremony was attended by CPS Security, community members, and the CPF, reflecting the strong bond between the station and the public it serves. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record

Warrant Officer Abraham Puleng Bapela: Nearly four decades of service

Bapela retired after 37 years in service. Born in Sebokeng in 1965, he started his career at Heidelberg SAPS and later transferred to Alberton SAPS in 2000, where he served for 25 years.

Recalling a close call during a 1999 robbery, he said counselling and church support helped him recover.

“Through the years, I’ve learnt that teamwork is everything, and there’s no place for negativity in this work,” he reflected.

Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Kock: Leadership behind the scenes

Kock joined Alberton SAPS on June 2 and spent 38 years in the police service, leading the support services division to ensure administrative, financial, and operational efficiency.

“Today was special and comforting. It comforts me so much that people can show love like this, and I really appreciate it,” he said, adding that he will continue supporting his wife’s business in his next chapter.

A legacy of service

The ceremony celebrated decades of dedication, integrity, and professionalism. Bruiners, Bapela and Kock leave a lasting legacy of faith, leadership and commitment to the Alberton community, proving that policing is not only about enforcing the law but also about respect, trust, and collaboration for a safer society.