Brakpan SAPS retirees celebrated in style
One of the retirees was unable to attend the farewell celebration, but was still honoured in absentia.
Three Brakpan SAPS legends were honoured with a farewell celebration to mark their retirement from the service.
Colonel Eugene Scheepers, Warrant Officer Joelsel Nkosi and Captain Nape Magane were honoured at a formal affair with a black-and-gold theme, gifts, massage vouchers and framed honour boards featuring their medals, ranks and a photo.
The farewell was held in Leachville on August 28.
Scheepers was the Brakpan SAPS detective branch commander, while Nkosi was an orderly at Brakpan Magistrate’s Court.
Magane, who was unable to attend the event, was the Brakpan SAPS Vispol relief commander and a PDP official.
Lieutenant Colonel Pearl van Staad, head of Vispol support at the Brakpan SAPS, described the three’s retirement as a “vacuum”.
“Captain Magane was a hard worker. At one stage, he was very negative, but I can say that, with time, he started to see things differently, and there was a silent change. In the end he was 120% positive, and we thank God for that,” Van Staad said.
Brigadier Johanna Ngoma, the Brakpan SAPS station commander, praised Scheepers, who was acting station commander, before she took the reins.
“Everything was in order under him; he was doing a wonderful job. We were all hoping he would become commander; we all believed in his capability, but he didn’t even apply for the position,” she said.
She also pointed out that under Scheepers’ leadership, the local detective branch received a five-star rating. The branch continues to operate at a high standard, which she attributes to Scheepers’ legacy.
“Warrant Officer, at court, what you fear most is an inmate escaping, but since I took over, we have never experienced any such issues under your supervision,” Ngoma said to Nkosi.
She told all three: “We are all glad today to give you your flowers while you can still smell them. Unfortunately, some in this career were not given back to their families in one piece, but your families can be blessed to receive you back safely.
“I know you have left big shoes to fill, but you are always available, and you have mentored others to continue on well in your stead.”
