Kempton Park police Captain retires after 33 years
In 1995, he was ranked as a detective and worked at the Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre for 15 years.
After 33 years with the SAPS, Captain Richard Botha has officially retired, handing in his badge and saying farewell to the Kempton Park SAPS.
Botha began his career in 1983.
“I have always wanted to be a police officer. Coming from a family of officers inspired me to serve the community,” he shared.
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After completing his basic training, Botha was stationed at the Johannesburg Central Police Station, formerly known as John Foster Square.
He briefly left the SAPS in 1988 due to family matters but rejoined in 1991, this time at the Kempton Park Police Station, where he worked in the Service Complaints Centre and later joined the Crime Prevention Unit.
By 1995, Botha had transitioned to the role of detective, dedicating 15 years to the Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre.
“The station commander at the time asked me to help because I had a lot of computer experience,” Botha explained.
“General de Lange asked me to help with the Management Information Technology (MIT) department, which initially was temporary but became my post until retirement.”
Botha looks forward to retirement overseas with his wife, who has accepted a seven-year work opportunity in the USA starting in December.
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“I am excited to see new places, meet new people and have some adventures,” he said.
He also shared words of advice for young constables.
“Stay positive about yourself and the organisation. Avoid any involvement in crime. It damages your future and that of your family.
“Throughout my career, I never took anything that didn’t belong to me.”
Kempton Park SAPS station commander Brigadier Lindani Ndlovu thanked Botha for his dedication and service to the community, wishing him well in his retirement.
