Covid-19 claims Sinoville community and animal protector
“Janette had such a big heart and love for animals. Thanks to her, we made many successful arrests in animal cruelty cases.”
Family, friends and Sinoville police members are mourning the passing of Janette Nel (53), former policewoman, wife, mother and animal protector.
News of her death – due to Covid-19 related symptoms – was shared on social media on Saturday morning.
“Janette served our community in Sinoville for many years. She will be missed,” said Nel’s colleague and friend Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk.
Nel was in hospital for 37 days after testing positive for Covid-19.
“It is sad that she never got to properly enjoy her time at home after leaving the police service.”
Nel served as captain in the human resources department at Sinoville police station until the end of February this year.
Her career in the SAPS started in 1986.
She was stationed at Silverton until 1996, when she then served at Pretoria Central.
In 2009, she went on to serve in Ga-Rankuwa and in 2011, joined the Sinoville police team.
“In 2016, she received her medal for 30 years of faithful service in the SAPS,” said Van Dyk.
“She was dedicated to her work and her family.
“She had such a big heart and love for animals. During our time working together, she dealt with many cases of animal abuse and neglect. Thanks to her, many successful arrests were also made in these cases.”
In 2018, Rekord wrote about the policewoman who saved and adopted an abandoned dog left on the side of a road.
The dog she named Sammy, was one of the many animals Nel had rescued and taken care of over the years.
“That little doggy followed Janette like a shadow. Janette loved all animals and they in turn absolutely adored her,” Van Dyk shared the memory with a smile.
Nel shared her love for animals with her daughter Monya.
Monya shared a heart-breaking message on Facebook after losing her mum “and best friend” on Saturday morning:
“My mother was one of the most amazing people with such a big heart for people and animals. She would help where she could without even thinking twice. Mum, you were the person I looked up to and my pillar of strength.”
Nel leaves behind her husband, daughter, family, friends and the pets she cared for.
A flood of messages on Nel’s Facebook was testimony to how many lives she had touched.
Amanda Lloyd Pansegrouw wrote: “Rest in peace Janette Nel. We talked on Thursday, when you asked us to all pray for you because you were suffering. You have left deep footprints in the hearts of many and I do not believe there was anyone with more love and compassion for animals than you. We never got to our coffee date to celebrate our retirement statuses.”
Lucy TL wrote: “Going to miss seeing your face at the store. Thanks for all you done for me. I still can’t believe it… RIP my Friend.”
*Message from Rekord journalist:
Corlia van Deventer writes: “Janette, I remember the day you rescued little Sammy. You were so mortified about the article appearing in your local community newspaper. You were always so humble – never wanted to take the credit, but rather boost others. It was the start of a beautiful friendship.
“I will miss your messages on Facebook, the photos you shared of Sammy and the friendly Sinoville Captain who served to protect not only people, but our four-foot friends as well.”
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