Kempton SAPS officer retires after three decades of service

W/O Maile Morris Tema (60) was surrounded by his friends, former colleagues and family at his well-deserving send-off in March.

Tema’s career was celebrated at his farewell party at Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court as he, 37 years and eight months later, retired from the service.

“I served at Kempton Park SAPS since 1980 and remained loyal to the service from inception until my retirement,” said Tema.

“I have worked with and met wonderful people on this journey and am grateful for all the experiences.”

Brig Samuel Maredi, station commander for Kempton Park SAPS, was both happy and sad about the departure of Tema.

“It is sad to say goodbye to a fellow loyal and hard-working officer but I am happy seeing one of my police officers going away from this organisation with a pension because we lose people in different ways.

“Some of our colleagues end up in jail, some resign due to illness and other unforeseen circumstances. However, in this case, we have an officer who held the police flag high from beginning to end and as he is leaving, I still say to him that he must go out there and represent us. When people see him they must know that we still have people who are loyal to this organisation,” said Maredi.

Although Tema worked in Kempton Park for all these years, he is a Hospital View, Tembisa, resident. He gave his blessings and advice to those still in the force.

“This is a dangerous job and I pray to God to protect all the officers on the force. We have seen many members lose their lives while on duty,” said Tema.

“May the grace and mercy of God be upon them always. It is important for them to have and practise discipline while in service as discipline is one of the important things you need to have at all times as a police officer. I did my best to always have discipline in all that I did.”