Brakpan SAPS detective branch commander Colonel Eugene Scheepers will be retiring at the end of this month on a high note after leading the station’s detectives to top honours.

Scheepers, who has served in the SAPS for 33 years, currently heads the Brakpan SAPS detective branch, overseeing 42 detectives.

The branch recently received an overall five-star rating in its performance review audits, which assessed arrest rates, cases referred to court, conviction rates and system compliance.

Under Scheepers’ leadership, Brakpan detectives ranked first among the 39 police stations in the Ekurhuleni District, first among Gauteng’s 145 police stations and first nationally out of 1 168 police stations.

Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma praised the unit’s outstanding achievement and credited Scheepers’ leadership for its success.

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As detective branch commander, Scheepers is responsible for managing criminal investigations at the station, overseeing detectives, ensuring crime scenes are properly processed, monitoring case dockets and helping ensure successful prosecutions.

Scheepers will officially retire on July 31 after a policing career marked by decades of service.

“He has served with sharper focus, deeper resolve, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer.

“Brakpan SAPS will not just recognise his career but honour his legacy of excellence in law enforcement.

“Scheepers led with a rare combination of strategic brilliance, calmness, and an unshakable belief in the power of teamwork, and under his leadership countless cases have been solved, victims have found justice and communities made safer.”

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Scheepers stated that leadership is not about giving orders, but about inspiring others to rise to their best.

When asked to share a message with his team, Scheepers said: “Always put your community first, and strive to be the best in what you do.

“Equip yourself with knowledge to lead from the front. Be an example to the members and share your skills and knowledge.

“Treat one another with respect and dignity, and serve the organisation and community members with respect and dignity every day.”

Ngoma commended Scheepers, and thanked him for his hard work, dedication, and professional traits that have raised the Brakpan SAPS flag higher.