THERE’S very few people who embody the spirit of being a community hero like Carol van Tonder. By day, the Sunningdale resident is the head of education, hairdressing and marketing at Coastal FET College, and by night, she is a crime fighter (as a police reservist) and a victim support officer.

The 56-year-old is also the chairperson and founder of the Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team (DNUCT), who provide victim support for Durban North SAPS The team specialises in trauma debriefing, counselling and offering emotional support for crime victims. She was a Lifeline counsellor for nine years before starting the Crisis Team, which was founded in 2008.

“It was a domestic violence case that made me realise what the Durban North and uMhlanga community lacked. A woman who was being abused had just gone to report the case to the station, but got very little assistance Her traumatic experience was made worse by the fact that she went back to an abusive situation. It was at that point I realised the local community and police needed a support system to assist with dealing with traumatic situations,” she explained so that they could concentrate on fighting crime which is their core function

In 2008 the NPO, consisted of 10 people, and had about five cases a month. Now the team has grown to 25 people with more than 30 cases per month.

“It’s been fantastic to see the growth and how the community and the SAPS have welcomed our involvement with open arms. They have made it easy for us to assist where we can. I remember walking through a supermarket about two years after I started the Crisis Team, and being stopped by a woman. She looked at me and said ‘I just want to thank you for saving my life.’

“The emotion of that situation and hearing those words confirmed what our aim was when we started. Our long term vision is to be always there for the community. Nobody should feel like there’s no one to help them through traumatic situations,” van Tonder said.

While most people would struggle with being on call 24 hours a day, while holding down a full time job, van Tonder takes it all in her stride, but insisted the support from her family, friends, crisis team members, and the community kept her going.

“My family and friends have always supported me from the beginning. Even my sons, helped out and were 100 per cent behind me all the way. One of them, Matt, even joined the team for a short while,” she enthused.

Her role as a police reservist has also seen her act in another capacity as a community hero.

“What prompted me to become a reservist was I was counselling a rape victim and we had to wait for the police officer to take her to the district surgeon before going any further. I decided instead of waiting for that to happen, I could assist the victim in my capacity as a counsellor and police officer. Everytime I put on the police uniform, I wear it with pride, and love the police camaraderie

“I’ve even arrested a drunk driver with a dress on. At the time he seemed quite surprised. For me helping and being there for the community is all important. It’s extremely rewarding knowing you can make a difference to someone else’s life.”

Knowing Carol van Tonder 

Name five words that best describe you: “I would say caring, passionate, honest, determined and a loyal friend.”

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? “What I need to do next. I’m always planning ahead.”

What makes you angry? “Domestic violence, child abuse and people talking on their cell phones while driving.”

Name one thing we don’t know about you: “I have an identical twin who lives in Knysna. I always hug people whether I’m meeting them for the first time or I have known them for years.”

What is your strongest family memory? “Spending time with my sons, Darren and Matt; watching them grow up!

Community Heroes

Gary lives for his true calling (Hero 1)

Tyron’s aim is community safety (Hero 2)

Jason Sssserves the community  (Hero 3)