KwaDukuza detective Colette Bruwer mourned by crime-fighting community

The North Coast crime-fighting community is mourning the loss of one of its stalwarts, Lt. Colonel Colette Bruwer (49), who died last week.

With more than 30 years of experience in police work, mostly in the KwaDukuza force, Bruwer’s life was dedicated to the betterment of others.

Starting out as a young constable in 1991, her career flourished with many accolades driving her eventual promotion in 2016 to Detective Lieutenant Colonel overseeing the iLembe cluster.

Apart from KwaDukuza, Bruwer also spent 6 years as captain at Sundimbili station, near Mandeni.

She leaves behind her mother, Anita, daughter Roxanne (29), son Brandon (24), grandson Caleb and ex-husband, Captain Shaun Bruwer.

“Her career was characterised by her willingness to go the extra mile to solve difficult cases, typically those of murder, house robberies and other violent crimes,” said Captain Bruwer.

“Colette spent most of her career as a detective and she was one of the best I have ever seen. She would not rest until she had done everything in her power to make sure justice was served. Her passing is a huge loss for our family and for the community,” he said.

Son Brandon said she followed the same ethos as a mother, refusing to give up until her children had every opportunity available to them.

“She was phenomenal. All she wanted was for us to be the best versions of ourselves.”

The circumstances surrounding her death are still being investigated however police do not suspect foul play.

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