LIMPOPO – The police are celebrating a major milestone as Vhembe district commissioner Eddie van der Walt marks 40 years of dedicated service in the organisation.

Now 58, Van der Walt continues to serve with passion, commitment and strong leadership.

Rising through the ranks

He joined the police in 1986 after completing his basic training at the SAPS Training College Pretoria West.

Van der Walt started his policing career in Musina, where he gained operational experience and later served in the K9 unit, specialising in patrol and explosive detection dogs.

Over the years, he has completed numerous specialised and leadership training programmes, including patrol dog handling, explosive detection dog handling, Swat training, street survival training, and various management and leadership courses.

A commitment to learning

His academic achievements include a diploma in police administration obtained in 1992, a B. Tech degree completed in 2000, and an LLB degree from the North-West University in 2006.

He was admitted as an advocate of the High Court of South Africa on November 28, 2013.

Leading Thohoyandou station

Van der Walt was commissioned as a lieutenant in December 1993 and appointed unit commander of the K9 unit in Musina. He was promoted to captain in 1996 and superintendent in 2000.

In 2006, he was promoted to senior superintendent and appointed station commander at Vuwani, where the station achieved strong performance under his leadership.

He was promoted to brigadier in 2016 and served in several senior management roles. In 2020, he was appointed station commander of Thohoyandou, continuing to strengthen policing operations in the area.

At the helm of Vhembe

In 2022, van der Walt was promoted to major general and appointed district commissioner of Vhembe, where he now oversees 22 police stations and two ports of entry, including the busy Beitbridge Border Post.

His responsibilities include strengthening crime-prevention strategies and ensuring communities in the district are safe.

Recognition from top brass

In recognition of his leadership, van der Walt was named best cluster commander of the year in 2015.

Provincial police commissioner Thembi Hadebe congratulated him on the milestone: “Major General van der Walt’s discipline, commitment and leadership have contributed immensely to policing in Limpopo. His dedication to protecting communities and strengthening the work of the SAPS is highly commendable,” she said.

A family affair

Van der Walt credits the support of his family for his successful career. His wife, a former public prosecutor and now a professor at the University of Venda, has supported him throughout his policing journey.

The couple share a passion for mountain biking and enjoy taking part in cycling events when time allows.

A passion for the job

Reflecting on his career, van der Walt encouraged fellow officers to work together and remain committed to excellence.

“Do not sweat the small stuff. Manage the pressure, work as a team and always bring out the best in those you lead. Never settle for less than your best,” he said.

“Some days I cannot believe they are paying me to do this job. I would have done it for free. I am a born police officer.”