Proving that policing has no gender

Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer, is a woman in blue who goes beyond the call of duty to protect and serve the community with pride.

As Women’s Month draws to a close, Buthelezi reflects on the significance of Women’s Month, her role as a policewoman and what it means to serve with purpose.

“Women’s Month to me personally means highlighting the contributions made by women. It means women recognition. It’s a reminder for women to not forget themselves.

“The SAPS celebrates Women’s Month in different empowering ways, such as individually recognising women roles and gathering women at events to encourage, empower, uplift, and just say thank you,” she said.

Buthelezi started her official police career in 2020.

“The police career chose me, I did not choose it. Growing up, I always envisioned myself as a nurse, and I have applied for nursing a lot of times but was never called,” she said.

“I entered the SAPS as a volunteer in the Victim Empowerment Centre in Brakpan in 2015, and I applied as a reservist constable in 2016 until I became a permanent member on December 1, 2020, when reservists were called to apply for permanent positions. We were the Covid intake,” she explained.

Buthelezi was appointed as communications officer and Sector 1 manager in February 2023. She told the Brakpan Herald that a common misconception about women in policing is that policewomen are fragile and can not do policemen’s work.

“I say, ‘Bring it on’,” she said.

Buthelezi works closely with community clean-up projects, faith-based organisations, schools, the CPF, AfriForum, private security companies and businesses.

She has also served a vital role in the Adopt-a-Cop programme at Brakpan High School. In this programme, a police officer can serve various roles at a school, such as educating, mentoring, community liaising, and problem-solving.

ALSO READ: EMPD women officers crack down on freeway foot traffic

Adopt-a-Cop is responsible for creating awareness and sensitising learners on drugs, bullying, dangerous weapons and gangsterism, among others.

Buthelezi also initiated community street patrols in June 2023 and still encourages such patrols. She also successfully organised and led an illegal mining operation to save Oval Road in Brakpan North from collapsing in 2024.

More recently, Buthelezi organised the third annual SAPS Women’s Day event on August 8, and is also the organiser of the SAPS Annual Youth Day celebrations.

Asked about the role women play in fostering community trust and effective communication in policing, Buthelezi stated that women act as emotional and social pillars by promoting dialogue and empathy.

“Also by advocating for social justice and human rights. A woman’s participation in community activities strengthen social bonds and builds confidence, leading to great solidarity, understanding and a more trusting environment,” she said.

“I support women and mentor young female adults by becoming a trusted advisor. I try to portray positive leadership skills. I share my expertise and also try facilitating networking.”

As for advise to young girls who dream of joining the police service, Buthelezi urges them to embrace their unique strengths in communication and empathy.

“They need to develop resilience to handle gender bias and stressful situations, and be prepared physically and mentally through gym and building mental toughness,” she said.

She concluded by sharing that women are crucial in policing and community leadership because they promote operational effectiveness.

“We build community trust and reflect the diversity of society which leads to greater legitimacy and better outcomes for all,” she said.

“Increased female representation, especially in our fields, helps foster gender equality and contributes to stronger, more inclusive and peaceful societies.”

ALSO READ: Residents blame a main line blockage for ongoing sewage leak at Weltevreden Flats

Lieutenant Colonel Pearl van Staad, the Brakpan SAPS Vispol support head, stated that Buthelezi is brave in appearance, but a ‘softie’ at heart.

“She volunteered as a reservist for almost three years. Her driving innovation to serve and protect led her to be enlisted into SAPS,” she said.

“Constable Buthelezi inspired two other women who were volunteering with her. They all took the oath from her inspiration.

“She’s very passionate and willing to go the extra mile. She serves proudly and is dedicated. Constable Buthelezi also works well with others, and as a communications officer, she flies the flag high.”

Lisa Jordaan from Clean Brakpan and the Brakpan CPF described Buthelezi as a true warrior princess.

“Warrior in her true dedication in keeping her community safe and her unwavering courage in doing so. For the princess part, she is proud of the power of being feminine and showing her beauty inside and out,” she said.