Long-serving SAPS member retires

Lieutenant Colonel Annalien Naude will hang up her lapels at the end of this week after 38 years of service.

The highly praised officer served the Brakpan community for many years before being appointed to Crystal Park SAPS in October last year.

The Benoni resident said she’s looking forward to spending more quality time with her family who have been her pillar of strength throughout the years.

“I’ve done my part and I’ve made a difference in people’s lives. This job takes up so much of your time and you undergo certain traumas. Throughout the years, I’ve attended many crime scenes and I’ve learned to cope though you never forget everything.”

Naude, who joined the SAPS in 1986, has worked at Newcastle Police Station, Petit Police Station (now Crystal Park), OR Tambo Airport and Brakpan SAPS where she worked with domestic violence-related cases for 15 years.

“When I came to Crystal Park SAPS, I received a positive attitude from staff and the community. What was heart-warming was that despite the shortcomings the police station had such as the lack of vehicles, the staff was very supportive and willing to work.

“During my tenure, crime decreased in all the categories. We also established a good relationship with the CPF, community in blue, wardens and private security, they help us a lot.”

Naude shared that as a leader it’s important to work with your members and have a heart to listen to them when they’ve got personal issues.

Due to the alarming rate of domestic abuse cases in the country, Naude plans on working with NPOs and NGOs doing counselling, especially vulnerable women and children.

The mother of three, who loves reading and going to the gym, holds a degree in police administration.
She encouraged the community to continue reporting crime and support the police.

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