‘Brave’ Bronkhorstspruit station commander remembered
Colonel Sandy Scheltens died after a short illness that led to her being hospitalised early this month.
The Bronkhorstspruit community paid tribute on Wednesday to the local police station commander who died last week. Colonel Sandy Scheltens died following a short illness after being hospitalised earlier this month. In an emotional drive-through memorial, community members, colleagues, friends and family placed flowers outside the police station in honour of Scheltens. Various security companies, local car guards and owners of nearby establishments also paid homage to her.
Colleagues shared their experiences with what they described as a “brave” public servant. “I have learned a lot from her,” said CPF chairperson Josiah Masemola.
“She was great with partnerships with various sectors, individuals and businesses and has played a pivotal role in shaping the safety of Bronkhorstspruit.” Masemola said Scheltens was committed to fighting crime, even when she was off-duty. This was reiterated by Brooklyn police station commander, Kushi Pietersen, who described Scheltens as someone always willing to help.
“Colonel Scheltens had such an amazing essence and spirit of selfless generosity,” she said. “She was an energetic leader who was always available. Her welcoming nature ensured that anyone could approach her for anything they needed or any advice. “She was not only accessible to members of her station, but also the rest of the district. Her passing has left a void that would be hard to fill.” The 59-year-old served the police service for nearly 40 years, a few months before receiving her 40-year service medal.
She moved up the ladder and held several posts as station commander in different regions. From 1996 to 1997, Scheltens held the position of station commander at the Eersterust police station. She was then transferred to the Bronkhorstspruit police station in 1997 where she held the same position until 2003. From 2004 until 2006, she served at the Kwa-Mhlanga area office in Mpumalanga, also as station commander. She was then transferred to the Delmas police station and then returned to Bronkhorstspruit again a few years later. “The SAPS has lost one of its reliable, dedicated and greatly respected leaders,” said station spokesperson Constable Munyadziwa Ramovha.
“She led by example and served this country with distinction until her death. On behalf of the SAPS family, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.”
Scheltens will be laid to rest at the Bronkhorstspruit cemetery on Friday morning.
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