Brackendowns SAPS officer goes beyond call of duty
Brackendowns SAPS officer WO Gerhard Cornelius has been nominated as the local hero of the month for going above and beyond as a public servant.
The men and women in blue play a vital role in protecting and serving the community; however, Brackendowns SAPS WO Gerhard Cornelius goes beyond that.
Not only is Cornelius a proud member of the SAPS, but he is also affectionately known throughout Alberton for his involvement in charities.
The officer, who is following in the footprints of his family members of police officers, has been nominated as Alberton RECORD and West Pack Lifestyle’s Hero of the Month, winning an R1 000 voucher.
Community policing got him actively involved in community projects and allowed him to do what he loves most, lending a helping hand to those in need.
Cornelius, who once studied to become a pastor and has served as a worship leader, told the RECORD he loves people and loves to see them succeed.
“I grew up in Joburg South and matriculated in 1991. Upon completion, I went to the SANDF and then got called up into the SAPS. My father, uncle and cousin were police officers, so I suppose it runs in the family,” he said.
His profession kicked off at Johannesburg Central as an officer but was soon after transferred to Booysens SAPS as a ‘Bobby on the beat’, usually of the lowest rank.
After a few years, he was recruited into the Vehicle Theft Unit, a specialised detective service, which paved a way for his detective career.
“I then returned to Booysens SAPS and served as a detective for 10 years. During this time, I learnt a lot about people instead of just fighting crime. After becoming a sector manager, my love for sector policing and community policing started,” said Cornelius.
His job got him involved in community projects and being inside the heart of the community.
Cornelius was promoted to the rank of inspector at Crime Stop but soon found himself back at Booysens SAPS as a sector manager once again. He eventually ended up at Social Crime Prevention, where he truly found his calling.
“I got involved in many community projects and was introduced to the most amazing people in business, church, NGOs, community leaders and other law-enforcement agencies. I’ve learnt the importance of people and the role they play in our communities in the fight against crime,” he said.
During his policing journey, he has gotten involved in the church and found his long-lost love of music.
“I have always had a love for music and performed at school, entertaining my friends, but never pursued a career in the arts. I followed my family and became a proud member of the SAPS. Social Crime Prevention allowed me to get my hands dirty and make a difference,” said Cornelius.
Upon receiving the good news about his nomination, he told the RECORD he was humbled to be selected as a local hero.
