CAPTAIN Gert Louwrens Lombaard Van Straaten has reached the end of his journey with the SAPS after 41 years of service and his last day, Friday (October 30), in uniform fell on his birthday, marking a bitter sweet moment of “mixed emotions” for the police officer who was described as “a one in a million” by colleagues.

The sporty Captain who has police colours in body building, is a cyclist who has run seven Comrades Marathons and took part in bi- as well as triathlons, said it was a “very special” moment that his last day coincided with his birthday, which meant a “double celebration” for him.

However, Van Straaten, who said he intends to continue with mountain biking when in retirement, was quick to point out that it was a sad day too because he was parting ways with his second family at Pinetown SAPS.

“It’s mixed emotions. Although I’m happy I’m finished, I’m also sad at the same time because Pinetown SAPS was my second home and a very big family,” said Van Straaten.

“In my time, I’ve had my highs and I’ve had my lows. But I thank my Lord and savior for protecting me and giving me the wisdom and powers to have carried out my duties,” he added.

Van Straaten joined the police in 1985 as a trainee in Montclair before moving to Tshwane (then Pretoria) to the police academy.

After graduating from the academy, he was placed as a member of the flying squad for a year before moving back to Montclair.

In 2000, he was promoted to the rank of Captain as he joined the Pinetown SAPS.

His career highs include how he excelled in sports as a police officer and being of service to the community “by keeping them safe”.

Van Straaten said he “had the taste of both worlds” during his years of service because he worked in the field, which at times included being a member of the visible policing unit, and in 2003 was transferred to the supply chain management (SCM) unit where he “looked after colleagues” to ensure they had all the essential equipment they needed to carry out their duties.

Key historic events His career lows include the difficult time of the 2021 looting, the floods that devastated Durban and the COVID period.

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“Having to ensure that my colleagues had masks, gloves, that sanitizers were available, that members were safe, all the logistical issues, that was a big challenge,” said Van Straaten about the COVID period.

 He thanked his wife and two daughters as well as his sister, a fellow police officer stationed at Durban Central in the SCM department Lieutenant Colonel Helen Van Straaten, for being his “pillars in life” and backbone.

On retirement, Van Straaten said he would be guided by his Lord in this phase of life “but at this stage, I just want to take a short break”.

Van Straaten also saluted the late Pinetown SAPS station commander Brigadier Leon Matthysen.

“We joined the police force in 1985 together in Pretoria college and the plans were to retire at the same station and unfortunately because of his passing he could not make it. That was one of my lows,” said Van Straaten.

He also thanked the incumbent station commander Colonel Ronnie Heeralall for his guidance and dedication towards the Pinetown Police Station.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu said the management and staff at the station “will certainly miss Captain Van Straaten”.

“In our four-storey building, you always knew when Captain was around, his unmistakable bunch of keys would announce his presence before he even arrived.

“He is a true gentleman, always willing to assist and always ready to lend a hand in whatever project is happening at the station, from Spotless Friday clean-ups to painting and many other station projects.

“Every Friday, he is there helping to keep the station clean and looking its best.

“His knowledge of the station, willingness to assist and handson approach have made him a valuable part of Pinetown SAPS. His presence will certainly be missed. “We wish you a blessed and well-deserved retirement.”

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